Orland Montrose Purnell “Kite”, born December 17, 1931 to the late Anne Mariah Scriber Purnell and Lloyd Cleveland Purnell. “Kite”, “Key” or “Key Wee”, as he was affectionately called by many, departed this life Saturday, March 28, 2020.
Kite was educated in Somerset County Public School System where he attended and graduated in 949 at the Crisfield Colored High School.
As a child into an adult Kite loved and played different sports. Kite worked in the seafood industry and was employed at Mrs. Paul’s Kitchen until the company closed in 1988.
Kite was a member and attended Shiloh United Methodist Church, he was also a dedicated member of the United Methodist Men until his health began to fail.
Kite became and was dedicated to the Labor workers and the benefits for the working people here in the Crisfield area, also active in Civic Affairs. Kite was President of Union 453, Labor Council of the Eastern Shore; faithful member and brother of Crisfield Elks Pride Lodge #194 where he was elected Exalted Ruler 1979; Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Crisfield Housing Authorities; Board of Elections Supervisor and Public Action Chairman of NAACP.
Kite leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters, Bernadette Battle, Ava Campbell and Venetia (Cheryl) Campbell Jackson (Rodney), all of Crisfield Maryland; six grandchildren, Lisa Battle, Torris Battle, Toreano (Tito) Campbell, Vonetta (Vonnie) Campbell, Taveria Campbell, and Tajah Jackson; 12 great grandchildren, Quayshaun, Tormeshia, Christian, Destiny, Torren, Tyshaya, Angelina, Vernon, Robert, Ty’Heim and Montana; one brother, Ervin Austin of Horntown, VA; a sister-in-law, Daisy Purnell of Philadelphia, PA; six nephews, David Ward, George Ward, Lloyd Ward, Sammy Ward, Randy Wilkins and Kenny Austin; three nieces, Denise Purnell, Danetta Purnell and Luvenia Fletcher; his godchildren, William Babe Stevenson, Shelia (Diane) Fisher, Joe James and Lawrence James and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, a daughter, Tyeese (Tye) Campbell; three sisters, Ruth Ward, Hatti Lee Wilkins and Novella Hall; one brother, Daniel Purnell and his long-life partner, Norma Lee Campbell.
Due to the current situation and restrictions on gathering and travel on the Corona virus (Covid-19) there will be a Memorial Service held at a later date for family and friends.
The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
