Family remembers Lamar County man who died in Tuesday’s storms

Family members of a 73 year old Lamar County man, who died in Tuesday’s severe storms, say a broom, trash can, and the front steps were the only things still in their place when they arrived on the property around 6:30 Wednesday morning.

Tuesday’s storm ripped apart Dale Purvis’s mobile home, and took his life in the process, leaving those who loved him most shattered. Purvis’s sister in law, Joy Matheny, was too distraught for words while visiting what was once her brother-in-law’s home…now a pile of debris.

Family and friends described him as a daredevil, but also happy and friendly. Sifting through the rubble of the Lamar County home Purvis lived in for more than 30 years, they wished he was still there.

“This is just more than you can imagine, but most of all I hate he stayed in that mobile home,” said Joy Matheny. “People need to get out of those mobile homes when it’s bad weather.”

Family members say they managed to save some of Purvis’s belongings, but not much. And, while there is not much left, the memory of a beloved family member who they hope is now at peace, remains.

So far, Purvis’s death is the only fatality confirmed from Mississippi after yesterday’s outbreak of storms.