Captain, USN (retired) Harlan Ralph Purdy, 84 of Henrico, NC passed away Thursday February 17, 2011 at his home on Lake Gaston.

He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Harlan Purdy, a brother, Walter W. Purdy and a sister, Thelma Purdy.

Harlan was born in Rochester, NY. He served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War as a naval aviator. Harlan commanded Patrol Squadron 50 (VP-50 ) which flew the P-5 Neptune. He retired from the Pentagon in 1973 after 30 years active duty.

Harlan was active in the local community, serving as past president of AARP, an active member of the Lake Gaston Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus. He was the Scout Master of Boy Scout troop 1509 in Alexandria, Va. and he also planned and led a cross-country bicycle ride from Virginia to California celebrating our nation’s Bicentennial.

Harlan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Willmes Purdy, two daughters, Patricia L. Purdy of North Wilksboro, NC, and Joan P. Thayer and her husband Doug of Southlake, TX; his son Robert Charles Purdy and his wife, Irene of Manassas, Va. his sister Joan Knobel of Sabattus, ME., five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 21, 2011 at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Ebony, Va. with Father Columba Nnorom officiating. Burial will follow in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.

The Family will receive friends Sunday, February 20, from 3-5 p.m. at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services 731 Roanoke Ave. Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Memorial gifts may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 112 Long Cir. Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 or The Building fund at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 31 Ebony Rd. Ebony, Va. 23845.

The flag in front of the funeral home flies at half-staff in honor of Mr. Purdy’s service to our country.