On April 2, 2021, Dr. Robert Michael Purvis went to be with the Lord at age 66. Dr. Purvis passed away at Hospice House in Tallahassee, Fla.
Dr. Michael Purvis was born on Dec. 9, 1954, in Madison, Fla. When he was five years old, his family moved to Tallahassee, Fla. After graduating from Leon High School, he received his BS degree in Animal Science from the University of Florida with high honors. He then went to Auburn University where he received his Masters and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine with high honors and was a member of Kappa Phi Kappa.
Dr. Purvis owned and operated his own animal clinic in Monticello, Fla., before he joined the staff at FAMU as an Extension Veterinarian in the College of Agriculture Veterinary Technology Program. Dr. Mike, as he was known, brought a lot of wonderful ideas and compassion to this program, said his coworker.
Dr. Purvis never talked much about the many community activities he was associated with during his years in college and in his local community. Even his family was amazed at his resume of accomplishments. He served on the Chancellor of Ethics Board and the Justice of Ethics Board at Auburn. He was Vice President of the Student Chapter of American Veterinary Medical Association at Auburn. He was the first veterinarian to diagnose the West Nile Virus in the state of Florida, and coordinated the use of new and alternative treatments to improve survival of infected horses. He wrote newspaper articles and columns, as well as spoke at many public meetings. He produced an educational video that is used by several surrounding states. He reviewed state and federal laws for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the USDA. He was the head veterinarian of Regulatory Operations at the Jefferson County Kennel Club. He was a member of the Emergency Management team of Jefferson County, and a member of the Advisory Board of Farmers and Merchants Bank.
Dr. Purvis was most well known as the leader of the Encore Band and the band’s Willie Nelson Tributes. His love for music started at an early age, when he received a set of drums and started making music with his brothers. While he was in high school, he and his two brothers, Wendell Purvis and Frank Purvis, won the State of Florida Farm Bureau Talent Contest. Shortly afterwards, the Purvis Family Southern Gospel Quartet evolved, consisting of his mom, Fannie Mae Purvis; his two brothers, Wendell and Frank, and his two sisters, Joan Rhodes and Diane Lee.
After his years in vet school, Dr. Purvis organized the Encore Band, also known as The Purvis Brothers. The band enjoyed performing at churches, weddings, birthday and anniversary parties, barmitzvah, funerals, dog shows and charity events. Through the years, Encore helped raise over one million dollars for various charities including Ronald McDonald House, American Cancer Society, Big Bend Hospice, Shriners and animal shelters.
The band was honored to play for the Springtime Tallahassee 5th Annual Night Ball. They also had the privilege of playing backup for Country Music Hall of Fame member, Charlie McCoy (harmonica player), Ed Bruce (Nashville recording artist), Ellis James (Elvis impersonator) and Margo Anderson’s Patsy Cline Tributes.
Dr. Purvis especially enjoyed Willie Nelson’s songs and guitar playing which led to his performing of Willie Nelson Tributes. If the band didn’t sing a few of Willie’s songs, someone in the audience would yell, “Sing some Willie.” However, his favorite genre of music was traditional Gospel hymns like “I’ll Fly Away” and “Mansion Over the Hill Top.”
Dr. Purvis played six musical instruments and was often asked to be a substitute player for many bands in the Southeast when a member was unable to perform at a scheduled concert. He also played with many of the local bands in Tallahassee and the surrounding area.
Dr. Purvis was preceded in death by his father, George “Shorty” Purvis and his mother, Fannie Mae “Mutt” Bass. He is survived by his sons Michael Purvis and Tommy Wallace; two brothers Wendell Purvis (Carol), Franklin “Frank” Purvis (Nancy); two sisters, Joan Rhodes (Aubrey), Diane Lee (Ken); one granddaughter, Madison Wallace; six nephews and two nieces.
Sincere thanks to the wonderful staff with Big Bend Hospice for their care during this difficult journey.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Big Bend Hospice at 1723 Mahan Blvd., Tallahassee, Fla., 32308.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Oakfield Cemetery in Monticello, Fla.