Raymond Brandenburg Purdum Jr., 95, a resident of Morgantown, passed away peacefully early Thursday morning, Dec. 9, 2021, at Harmony at Morgantown, after a fulfilling life of love, laughter, kindness and diligent work. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Leona Ruth Whiteman Purdum.
Raymond was born Saturday, Aug. 21, 1926, at Elkins, a son of the late Raymond Brandenburg Purdum Sr., Ph.D., and D. Myrtle Matthews Purdum Harrington. He was one of four children. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Margaret Goddin and Elizabeth Vander Els. He is survived by his brother, Reginald “Reggie” Purdum.
Raymond leaves behind his daughter, Sharon Smethurst, of Kansas City, Mo., and her two children, Ryan Balsley, of Kansas City, Mo., and Karin Balsley, of Nashville, Tenn.; son, Charles (Susan Bering) Purdum, of Boalsburg, Pa., and son, Russell (Cynthia Lin) Purdum, of Morgantown, and their son, Branden. Raymond leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, and great-grand-nieces and nephews — mostly ancestors of the Whiteman family, of Elkins.
Ray, affectionately called “Doc,” graduated from Elkins High School and immediately entered the U.S. Navy (having tricked the recruiter into believing he was 18 at only 17 years old) to serve his Country during World War II, earning the rank of Seaman First Class.
He studied engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey and later graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He used his incredible talents in the energy industry, starting his career at Philadelphia Electric, and later rose through the ranks of Allegheny Power Company (now First Energy Corporation) where he was eventually selected as plant manager of Albright Power Station. He served there through his retirement in 1991. As site manager, Ray was revered during his tenure as a gentle giant who was firm, but fair, and guided the power station through challenging times, including the flash flood of 1985, in which he and his leadership team were marooned inside the plant until waters receded while desperately trying to restore what they could of the site.
While successful in his career and community, nothing was as important as bringing joy and comfort to his wife, Leona. They were inseparable in life and hobbies, including gardening, stamp collecting, travelling, cooking, puzzles and decorating for the holidays. Only one passion separated Ray from Leona, and that was his love for conquering ski slopes. Ray was also an accomplished pianist and created beautiful music for many, including residents and staff at his home the last several years at Harmony of Morgantown. He loved spending time with his family, that included everything from picnics to beach vacations.
The Purdum family would like to extend our gratitude to all the staff at Harmony of Morgantown for their compassionate and loving care.
A graveside service will be conducted at the Maplewood Cemetery at Elkins, at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The Rev. Dr. Peter A. Vial will officiate and interment will follow with full military honors being accorded by members of the U. S. Navy, the H.W. Daniel’s Post # 29, American Legion and the Tygarts Valley Post # 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Raymond Brandenburg Purdum Jr.
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www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com
