Dr. Elmer Lee Puryear, age 96, of Greensboro, NC, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2016. During the Depression, he served in the CCC. He was a graduate of Wake Forest in 1943 and served in the US Navy during the Second World War. He received his master’s degree and doctorate from UNC. He enjoyed a long teaching career at Wake Forest College, the University of West Virginia, College of Charleston, Greensboro College, where he served as dean, and Campbell College. He was the author of two books: Democratic Party Dissension in North Carolina 1928-1936 and Graham A. Barden, Conservative Carolina Congressman. He served as President of the Historical Society of North Carolina in 1972 and also served on the State Highway Historical Marker Committee. Dr. Puryear was buried in Chalybeate Springs, North Carolina on January 13 and a memorial service was held in Greensboro the following day. Memorials may be made to the Elmer L. Puryear Government Scholarship at Campbell University, (Campbell University, Advancement Office, P.O. Box 116, Buies Creek, NC 27506, Attn: The Elmer L. Puryear Government Scholarship).
Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Puryear’s family and wide circle of friends. He will be remembered at our spring meeting in Fayetteville.