Rick Pursley

Rick "Poppa" Pursley, 65 died on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. Rick was born in Ringgold, Ga.; he was the son of the late LeBron Pursley and the late Edith Richardson Pursley Mitchell. He was an active member of Parkway Baptist Temple and the Fellowship Sunday School Class. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Rick was retired as a Georgia State Trooper. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking; he will be remembered as a great jokester. He was a loving and devoted husband who loved and treasured his children and grandchildren. Rick is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Leesa Wilkinson Pursley; son, Jeff (Fanita) Pursley; daughters, Wendy (Nathan) Saylors, Dusty (Curtis) Beddington, and Becky (Eddie) Hixon; grandchildren, Allie Saylors, James Beddington, Noah Philips, Tristan Beddington, Bailey Saylors, Xander Beddington, Braxton Hixon, Malachi Beddington, Brayden Hixon, Jeffrey Pursley, Jocelyn Pursley, Colton Saylors, and Baby Pursley (who will join the family at birth in July); his sister, Renee Schermerhorn (Richard); mother-in-law, Gladys Wilkinson; Ricks father figure and close friend, Roy "Pappy" Tinsley; other family members and close friends. The family will receive friends today, Jan. 2, 2014, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 4 until 8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway. The funeral service will be at noon on Friday, Jan. 3 at Parkway Baptist Temple. Pastor David Sampson, Dr. Richard Schermerhorn, the Rev. Jason Cofield and the Rev. William "Bill" Pursley will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will be at Chattanooga National Cemetery. Rick's body will lie in state at the church on Friday from 11 a.m. until noon. Friends may visit www.heritagefh.com to share condolences with the family. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, Battlefield Parkway.