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U.S. Navy Senior Chief Radioman Melvin Purvis Sr. (retired), 87, passed away on July 12, 2022.

Purvis was a native of Canoe, and a resident of Virginia Beach, Va.

Purvis is preceded in death by his father and mother, Ernest and Nina Alderson Purvis; sisters, Marie Maass, Lenna Langford, Eleanor Sotorske, Bonnie Madison Blackmon and Carolyn Young.

He is survived by his wife, Sonia Burgos Purvis; sons, Melvin Jr., Ernest (Arnie) and Robbie; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He will be cremated and interred at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Va.

A celebration of life service was conducted in Virginia Beach.

Farewell and following seas to all my family and friends.