William James Purifoy was born on April 2, 1941 and peacefully departed on his journey to heaven on Friday, December 1, 2017. One of 15 children, born to Minnie and James Wade Purifoy, William moved to Birmingham at a very early age. William was united in marriage to Carolyn Smedley in 1964. From this union, two children were born; Kimberly and Alvin (deceased), a granddaughter, LaKirria and a great granddaughter, McKynlei.

William was a 32nd degree Mason. He enjoyed traveling and was an avid historian. He attended school in Hooper City before attending Booker T Washington Business College, Samford University and Miles College School of Law. He worked at American Cast Iron and Pipe for more than forty-five years, completing his career in Human Resources. He enjoyed mentoring young people to help them identify and achieve their career goals. He was a member of First Baptist Church Woodlawn for the majority of his adult life. He loved his family and had a heart of gold to support his family and friends along the journey of life and will be fondly.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his son Alvin, 13 brothers and one sister.

His loving memories will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Carolyn, his daughter Kimberly (Daryl), his granddaughter LaKirria, great granddaughter McKynlei, sister Valanchie (Leroy), brother Alfred (Estella), all of Birmingham, Alabama. Sisters in law, Joyce Whitaker and Shirley Ann McReynolds, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends