It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry "Joe" Purdue, 87, who left this world on January 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on November 2, 1937 in Enid, Oklahoma, Joe lived a life full of love, laughter, and boundless energy. Known for his humor, wisdom, and devotion to his family, he left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew him.

Joe was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He played baseball and basketball in high school and had a knack for most sports, though he often joked that snow skiing was the one challenge he couldn’t quite master. After moving to Raleigh in 1969 for work with the Environmental Protection Agency at RTP, Joe developed a passion for tennis, becoming a fixture at the Raleigh Racquet Club, where he played actively until 2022. He cherished the camaraderie and friendships he formed there and found great joy in being on the court. Joe worked for the EPA until retiring in 1996 after 28 years.

In addition to sports, Joe had a sharp mind and a love for numbers. He was an avid investor, often glued to CNBC while meticulously tracking the stock market and "counting his money," as he liked to say. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles and spent time sharing this passion with his grandchildren, teaching them problem-solving and patience one clue at a time.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Sharon Purdue; his three daughters, Tami Purdue, Nancy Wells, and Susan Purdue; his sister, Judy Markes; his six grandchildren, Chris Cassidy, Megan Cassidy, Alexandra Purdue-Smithe, Connor Leary, Gabrielle Leary, and Alina Smithe; and his two great-grandchildren, Lillian and Catherine. He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends at the Raleigh Racquet Club, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Joe’s life will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 1 PM at North Raleigh Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, NC. Friends and loved ones are invited to gather, share memories, and honor his remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to the American Heart Association or to Transitions LifeCare, Philanthropy Dept., 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27608.

Though he is no longer with us, Joe’s love, laughter, and life lessons will live on in the hearts of those he touched.