Nancy Patton “Pat” Purnell Runyan was born on March 4, 1934 in Sheffield, Alabama and completed her earthly journey on September 17, 2026. Raised in Tuscumbia, Pat graduated from Deshler High School in 1952, where she was elected to be the Homecoming Queen her senior year. Pat then began her collegiate journey at Florence State University, now known as the University of North Alabama, where she served as Miss Florence State and Homecoming Queen.
Pat eventually transferred to The University of Alabama during her sophomore year, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi and the Homecoming Court. She was also named a Corolla Beauty in 1954 and 1956. While attending The Capstone, Pat met the love of her life, Joe Runyan. The two fell in love and got engaged on Pat’s 22nd birthday before marrying later that year. Following two years of Joe’s service in the U.S. Army, Pat and Joe settled in his hometown of Ashland, Alabama, where the couple raised their family and she became involved in the community through the Modern Culture Club.
A gifted pianist, Pat shared her passion for music as a piano teacher and the pianist at Ashland First Methodist Church for over 40 years. Pat was also artistically inclined and enjoyed painting landscapes and florals. When she wasn’t playing music, Pat enjoyed going to her home on Lake Martin and feeling the wind blow against her as Joe drove their pontoon boat across the water. Later in life, Pat discovered tai chi and enjoyed attending classes to keep herself active.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Joseph Walton “Joe” Runyan, Sr.; her parents, Mary Lillian Richardson Purnell and Hawthorne Purnell; her brother, Bobby (Pam) Purnell; her maternal grandparents, Frank Richardson and Nancy McKissack Richardson; and her paternal grandparents, Oliver Purnell and Mary Lillian Hawthorne Purnell. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Runyan (Maury) Gaston; son, Walt (Lisa) Runyan; grandson, Cole Runyan; granddaughter, Alison Gaston; her sister-in-law, Pam (Bobby) Purnell; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Sunday, September 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland. The funeral will be on Monday, September 21 at 2 p.m. at Ashland First Methodist Church with Rev. Brad Kimble officiating. Burial will follow at Ashland City Cemetery. She will lie in state at the church on Monday beginning at 1:00 P.M. until service time at 2:0 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that the needs of Ashland First Methodist Church be considered, such as the organ or building fund.
Send online condolences to benefieldfuneralhome.com
Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of arrangements.
