John Truitt Purnell Jr.'s Obituary
John Truitt Purnell Jr., 69, of Lewes, Delaware, passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family on June 14, 2026, in Lewes.
Born in Salisbury, Maryland, John was the son of the late John Truitt Purnell Sr. and Charlotte Langrall Purnell. Raised in Georgetown and former Sussex Central and Wilmington University graduate, John spent most of his time out on the water. His love for the water extended into a lifelong passion for scuba diving and teaching future divers through his Water World Scuba School. He spent his life building relationships with family and friends and will be remembered for his presence in the lives of those who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Denise W. Purnell, sons Trey and Nick, and his brother Bill.
Services will be private.
John will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Tunnel Cancer Center, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Suite 101, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
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