William Dixie Purser, 101, of Tavares, FL, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023. He was born on January 23, 1922, In Vanceboro, NC. In 1938 he finished high school and went on to work for the city of Newport News, VA. William entered apprentice school with the Newport News Shipyard in 1939 and graduated in 1943 as a supervisor.

He married Lois Blakemoore in July 1943. William was drafted by the Army in 1944 to help build a military shipyard in the Philippines. He returned to Newport News Shipyard in 1946. In 1959, William left Virginia and registered to attend Logan Chiropractic College. William graduated four years later as a Dr of Chiropractor and started his own business in Portsmouth, VA. He retired to Florida in 1976 and developed The Oaks Campground in Bushnell, FL.

He had a child, William D. Purser II, in 1954. After his wife, Lois Purser died, he sold the campground and enjoyed retirement since. Lois was a talented musician, playing on television, and in St. Louis night spots, theaters, and churches.

Dr. Purser had a hobby of flying airplanes from California, the Caribbean, Canadom South America, Rio, and Buenos Aires.

The family will have visitation on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, online condolences can be left at https://www.steversonhamlinhilbish.com/.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.