Jesse Purdy

Jesse William Purdy, age 85 of Bradfordsville, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on Monday, November 17th 2025, in his home in Perryville, Kentucky. He was born on December 29th 1939, in his childhood home in Bradfordsville, Ky to the late Edgar and Evelyn Purdy. He graduated with the class of 1959 from Hustonville high school, received his bachelor’s degree from Cambellsville College, and received his master’s degree from University of Louisville. He was a driven, hardworking man that did everything he ever could to provide for his family during his whole life. He put his brilliant mind to use during his years of teaching High School Physics. He also spent years as a bus driver for Greyhound and Miller Transportation, including after he retired from teaching. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge where he was Past Master, and a longtime member of the Civil Air Patrol. He found so much joy in telling stories about his life, career, and his family. Anyone who knew Pap or had the privilege of having one conversation with him knows he has a story for anything and everything. He was a man of many hobbies that included flying, reading books nobody understood but him, tinkering with anything that broke because he only trusted himself to fix something and just found joy in it, and he loved learning about new things. He loved his weekly Thursday night card games with his buddies and rarely ever missed one. His pride in his home in Bradfordsville and his hard work and dedication to take care of it all these years was unmatched. He loved that home and many of the memories it held and didn’t ever want to let that go. He was even a member of the Bradfordsville historical society. He had a soft spot for animals in general but especially his and his family’s pets. He spoiled them rotten and it was evident he was their favorite human when he was around. He had a passion for driving and had a lot of pride in his ability even as the years went on and it was no longer his career. He was extremely dedicated to his church, Perryville First Christian Church, where he was also the treasurer, and hardly ever missed a Sunday. He cared deeply for his church and made countless friends throughout his many years attending. He met his wife, Janice, in 1959 at a skating rink and got married December 27th of 1963. They loved to travel together and took several trips visiting various places. They celebrated 61 anniversaries, and they made a beautiful family with countless beautiful memories. His memory will be cherished, and he will be missed so dearly. There never has been and never will be anyone like him. We will continue his story telling and keep his memory alive forever. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janice Russell Purdy; son, Kevin Purdy; daughter, Erin Cruz (Mike); his grandchildren, Gabrielle Purdy, Jesse Purdy, Hannah Purdy, and Maya Purdy. He was predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Evelyn Purdy; and his brother, George D Purdy; and his daughter in law, Karen Purdy. Visitation will be held Monday November 24th from 11am-1pm at Perryville First Christian Church, with the service immediately following at 1pm with Reverend Wendy Hood officiating. Burial will follow at Old Liberty Cemetery in Bradfordsville, Ky.