Raymond N Purnell Jr

Raymond Nathaniel Purnell Jr. affectionately known by his family as “Junie” and his friends as “Smooth” was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 23, 1948 to the late Raymond N. Purnell and Mildred E. Purnell (Roles). He departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 after a lengthy illness.

He was the brother of Paulette Dorsey who preceded him, Joyce McHerrin, Reginald N. Purnell who preceded him, Anthony M. Purnell who preceded him, Victoria Matthews (James), Almajia Mohammed’El who preceded him, Darrnell Ranson (Michelle), Shane Ransom, Norman Ransom, Alison Bibbens (Karl), all of Baltimore, Maryland, and Adu Muhmmad (Aisha) of Northern Virginia.

He was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System.

He worked at Embassy Ice Cream Company and held various jobs and always had a desire to follow in his fathers footsteps where he became a Merchant Seaman and became employed by Maritime Union Hall. Junie was able to travel all around the world. After fulfilling that he later became employed at Bethlehem Steel, then became employed by John Hopkins Hospital. He would later retire from Johns Hopkins after 20 years, but occasionally still worked as a LongShoreman until his health failed.

Junie loved to dress from head to toe, play cards, and also spent countless time with his friends at North East Market. Whether you knew him as “Junie” or “Smooth” everywhere he went someone knew him.

He enjoyed family gatherings and vacations. He was a proud father especially because his eldest son, Antoine became his own entrepreneur of Photos R Us, where Junie became part of the team and he continuously encouraged his youngest son Duron to pursue his career. He was a loving grandfather and his grandchildren were the apple of his eye.

In 1994 he gave his life to the Lord and was baptized by Pastor Carl Soloman at United Baptist Church where he served as an usher. He also was a mason at the Masonic Temple.

He then met Denise Bean and they later married. Although their union dissolved, their bond remained strong.

He leaves to cherish his memory sons, Antoine R. Purnell (Charlene Streams), and Duron M. Purnell (Monique Burks); six grandchildren, Antrenell Purnell, Alexis Purnell, Antoine Purnell Jr., Mekhai Burks, Aubrey Purnell, and Jurnee Purnell; former spouse Denise Bean; bonus daughters, Vandelle Hampton (Kevin Hampton) and Tiara Warfield; seven nieces; fourteen nephews; eight great-nieces; eight great-nephews; three great-great nieces; and three great-great nephews; a special friend Lynn Gamble, and a host of relatives and friends

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