Bura Purvis “Buck” Tolleson
Passed: August 06, 2019
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Bura Purvis “Buck” Tolleson
Passed: August 06, 2019
Obituary
Bura Purvis “Buck” Tolleson, 89, of Avondale, Arizona died August 6, 2019, at the Hospice of the Valley Thunderbird Unit in Glendale. He was born September 11, 1929, in Barnes, Mississippi to Enoch and Mary Jane Tolleson. He was the youngest of six siblings. He was a compassionate Southern gentleman. On September 22, 1951, he married Helen Ferguson while on leave from the US Navy. They had three children.
While in the Navy, he served on the USS Bataan. He was awarded the Korean, UN and National Defense Service Medals and a Good Conduct Medal. After discharge, he worked for 25 years as a firefighter on the tarmac at the Litchfield Park Naval Air Facility and Luke Air Force Base. He worked at Cannon Funeral Home in Goodyear until it became Thompson Funeral Chapel.
In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, coaching baseball, RV traveling, and playing the mandolin and violin. He was an avid reader and fan of bluegrass and country music. He attended the Avondale Baptist Church for 65 years and became known for his coconut cake.
He is survived by his son Carl Tolleson (Annlouise) of Phoenix, daughter Cynthia Harvey and grandson Stephen Harvey of Goodyear and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, infant son Anthony, grandson Robert Harvey, cousin Aaron “Mud” Tolleson, five siblings and his parents.
Services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Avondale Baptist Church, 1001 N Central Ave, Avondale, AZ 85323. Visit with the family at 9 am before the funeral service at 10 am and reception at 1:00 pm. Graveside service with the Navy Honor Guard will immediately follow the funeral at West Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301. Senior Pastor Jack Marslender will officiate.
11 responses to Bura Purvis “Buck” Tolleson
Henry Fergus says:
August 12, 2019
Dear Cindy and Carl:
Our family is so sorry for the passing of your father, but we are happy that he is reunited with your mother after all these year. It was a honor to know and have your family as our friends. We know that our father and husband Lawrence was thrilled to work along side your father and I bet you anything that they are exchanging stories in heaven. We loved your father very much and will miss him, but was glad the Lord let him be a part of our lives. Please know that the Fergus family is always here for you. We are blessed to have known Buck and Helen.
Henry, Diane, and Virginia Fergus.
Joe Odom says:
August 13, 2019
I remember Purvis from my childhood and several family reunions over the years. He and Uncle Mud were lifelong friends. My mother was Thelma Lee Tolleson Odom, Uncle Muds sister. Purvis was well respected in our family and we are sorry for his loss.
Barb Ferrguson Nathan says:
August 13, 2019
May you all know how special Buck was to our family. He was indeed a southern gentleman, and discribes him to a tee. We always used to say hi Buck and Helen when we were someplace new by video. I still say that at times. He was always so interested in North Dakota and we loved that about Buck and Helen. We are thinking of you Carl, Ann, Cindy and Stephen and we know The Lord has welcomed him into his heavenly home. Love and hugs, Barb and Craig
Randy and Denise Tolleson says:
August 16, 2019
In our hearts we hold you near and feel empathy for you. You are very special to us and loved so much even though we couldn’t be there to share in your time of “Uncle Bucks “ passing! Thinking of you! Randy and Denise Tolleson
Nora,Jane says:
August 16, 2019
Sorry for your loss.he was a special man.sending love and prayers.Nora& Jane Houx.