Beaman Otis Puryear Raleigh Beaman Otis Puryear passed away on November 23, 2016 at Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh surrounded by his adoring family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Agnes Hargrove Puryear. Left to cherish Otis's memory are sons Doug Puryear (wife Anne), and Mike Puryear (wife Robin Wahl); daughters, Sharon Boyd (husband Jim), Pat Puryear, Laura Stewart, and Candy Puryear, all residing in the Triangle. He is also survived by four grandsons: Shawn Adams of Houston, Texas, Josh Boyd of Durham, NC, Jason Boyd of Washington DC, Jackson Stewart of Raleigh, NC, and one great grandchild, Kaeli Adams of Houston, Texas. Otis will be greatly missed by his brothers, Elmer Puryear of Greensboro, NC and Durward Puryear of Raleigh, NC, his sister, Mollie Taylor of Spring Lake, NC, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. Otis was born on December 11, 1923 in Chatham County to Chloe and Rufus Puryear. He served his country honorably as a signalman in the Navy aboard the USS Guilford, where he earned the nickname "Beaman the Seasick Seaman." He was in the attack fleet headed to Japan when, thankfully, the war ended. He settled in Raleigh, where he married the woman of his dreams, Mary Agnes Hargrove. Otis and Mary served their community tirelessly in countless volunteer efforts, including Catholic Parish Outreach, Ministry of the Sick, and Meals on Wheels; additionally Otis volunteered with the Optimist Club, and as a mentor to NC State students. More important, he was generous, kind and compassionate to all. Otis called himself "Lucky Otis," but, truly, his positive outlook, unfailing integrity and selflessness are what made his life's journey exemplary. Growing up on a farm with no town nearby, the family's chief entertainment was radio, which sparked Otis's lifelong passion for music, especially bluegrass. Until the end of his life, he surrounded himself with music, which brought him great joy. Prior to converting to Catholicism, he shared his beautiful tenor with the Raleigh Emmanuel Baptist Church choir. Upon his conversion to the Catholic faith, he joined Our Lady of Lourdes Church, where Mary was a founding member. His strong God-centered beliefs guided him throughout life. Thoughts of Otis and Mary's joyful reunion in heaven bring comfort and peace to his family. Otis was the manager of the Cameron Village branch of Security National Bank, later NCNB, for 17 years beginning in 1948. He then served his state as a Budget Officer for 23 years, retiring in 1988. One of the highlights during his retirement was traveling with Mary. They visited every state in the country and many countries overseas. They often made daily recordings recounting the wonders they experienced, which their children still enjoy today, loving the sound of their Daddy's beautiful Southern voice. Otis was a skilled craftsman and gardener, as well as an avid tennis player and golfer — his one-handed putt is legendary! He continued to play bridge, chess and checkers after making Abbotswood at Stonehenge his home following Mary's death. He remained competitive in international online checkers until three years ago! His sense of humor, wit, and ability to tell a good story led to many smiles and much laughter over the years. His life at Abbotswood was made beautiful by the heart-warming and extraordinary care extended to him by their very special and devoted staff; his children dubbed him "The Mayor of Abbotswood." The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone at Abbotswood, to Otis's compassionate caregivers during his last few months, and to the Hospice nurses who so tenderly guided them through his final days. There will be a Funeral Mass on Friday, December 2, 2016 at 2 p.m. at our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2718 Overbrook Drive, Raleigh, NC. A reception at the Fallon Center, adjacent to the church, will follow the service, and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, or Transitions Life Care (Hospice), 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.