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Jerry Ashford Purkey, 86, entered God’s Kingdom peacefully March 23, 2026, at his Kitty Hawk home. He was surrounded by his loved ones.
Jerry was born in Kerens, West Virginia, August 19, 1939, to the late Paul and Connie Purkey. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Zona Purkey; his sister, Glenda Sue; his stepson, Tony; and his stepdaughter, Ramona.
Jerry served his country bravely in the United States Air Force, stationed in Europe. He especially enjoyed his time stationed in Madrid, Spain. Jerry loved Spain and managed to become fluent in Spanish.
Following his military service, Jerry embarked on a long career with General Motors as a machinist in the Cleveland and Lordstown, Ohio, plants. Besides excelling in his profession, Jerry was passionate about his family and his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Following retirement from GM, Jerry and Zona realized their dream of returning to North Carolina. Jerry was an avid fisherman, and Zona loved the beach, so they chose Kitty Hawk. Here, Jerry was an active servant with Lighthouse Church of Kitty Hawk. He also enjoyed playing his banjo with his granddaughters and listening to his granddaughters play the cello and ukulele. Jerry leaves a legacy of loving fatherhood, kindness, humor, and courage. Even at the end, he never complained.
Surviving Jerry is his son, Jason Purkey (Laura); three granddaughters, Jocelyn, Tessa, and Mariah, all of Ohio; as well as several step-grandchildren; his brother, David Purkey (Denise) of West Virginia; his sister, Sarah also of West Virginia; his son-in-law, Chris Feiteira of Ohio; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Jerry’s directives, there will be a simple, private burial at Laurel Memorial Gardens in Currituck. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at Greater Way Ministries, PO Box 812, Fairmont, WV 26555-0812. Please share expressions of sympathy with the Purkey family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.

Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was founded in Nags Head, NC in 2006 by licensed North Carolina Funeral Director Courtney N. Gallop. This independent, minority and woman-owned start-up funeral home challenged the existing monopoly firm which had sole control of all funeral care, goods, and services provided in Manteo, the Outer Banks, and Currituck County for nearly 100 years.
Finally - someone brought competition into the local funeral industry. As a direct result of Gallop Funeral Services, Inc., local families now have choices, options, alternatives, fairer pricing, flexibility, and a higher level of service in funeral care for their loved ones.

In 2016, Gallop Memorial Chapel was opened in Barco, NC. The spacious, newly remodeled facility is the first and only funeral service-related business ever to locate in Currituck County. The Barco Gallop Memorial Chapel is conveniently located near the Outer Banks, Moyock and Elizabeth City. The elegant yet relaxing chapel interior is welcoming and comfortable for viewings, family gatherings, funerals, and memorial services. Our Barco chapel is perfectly equipped to serve all faiths and families in the county.
Courtney Gallop and the staff at Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. are committed to excellence. We continue to improve, grow, invest, and learn in order to provide the highest level of service for all families entrusted to our care.

In 2011, we built and established Capital Crematory, the first and only crematory ever in Dare County. The crematory supports Gallop Funeral Services and also provides professional cremation services for other funeral homes in the Albemarle area. Having our own local crematory means your loved one's cremation will be handled personally by owners of the funeral home, 100% locally, quickly, and at the best pricing.