sam purvis hALL
1930-2002
Life Story
Early Life
Sam Purvis Hall was born in 1930 in Garlandville, Jasper County, Mississippi, to Chester Hall (1904–1990) and Mabel Davis Hall (1905–?). He grew up during the Great Depression era, a period that shaped many in his generation through early responsibility, faith, and community reliance. Though specific details of his childhood remain limited, his later life reflects strong family grounding and service-oriented values.
Military Service
Sam Hall served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War era. He was enlisted on July 18, 1952, and discharged on May 6, 1954. After completing his military service, he returned to Mississippi, where he resumed civilian life while remaining active in church and community affairs.
Marriage & Family
Sam Hall married Juanita (Sally) Evans Hall (1930–2019), daughter of Henry Evans and Daisy Nichols Evans, members of long-established families in the St. John community.
From this union, the following children are known:
- Purvis J. Hall
- Pamela Juanita Hall
- Fred Hall
Employment & Working Life
In his working years, Sam Purvis Hall was employed in both industrial and public service roles. Newspaper accounts note that he retired from La-Z-Boy, reflecting long-term employment in manufacturing during a period when industrial jobs provided stable livelihoods for many local families. Following his retirement, he returned to public service as a school bus driver, resuming work after several years away from the position. His return to bus driving underscores his continued commitment to serving the community, particularly its children, even after completing a full industrial career.
Faith & Church Leadership
A devoted member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Sam Hall served faithfully as a Deacon, a role that placed him among the church’s trusted spiritual and administrative leaders. Newspaper accounts document his participation in pastoral installations, worship services, and other significant church functions, reflecting his steady presence and leadership within the congregation.
Civic & Veteran Involvement
Sam Hall was active in Milton Nichols Post 236 of the American Legion, where he served in leadership capacities, including Chaplain. His involvement demonstrated a continued commitment to service, particularly to fellow veterans in Newton County and surrounding communities.
Death & Burial
Sam Purvis Hall passed away in 2002. He was laid to rest at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard in Newton County, Mississippi.
Legacy
Sam Purvis Hall is remembered as a devoted husband, father, veteran, church deacon, and community servant. His life reflects the enduring values of faith, military service, and civic responsibility that defined many families connected to St. John Missionary Baptist Church across the 20th century.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1940 Federal Census
- U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2
- U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019
- The Newton Record, Chester Hall Obituary, Wed, Apr 04, 1990 ·Page 5
- U.S. Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019
Share A Memory