Leroy Purdie, III

Leroy Purdie III, affectionately known to all who loved him as “Roy,” passed away on August 20. Born to Leroy Purdie Jr. and Diana Purdie at Obici Hospital at Obici Hospital in Suffolk, Virginia, he was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served as a junior deacon. Roy carried deep roots through Ivor, Newport News, and Dinwiddie before graduating from Southampton High School. While he built his life in the DMV—across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Alexandria, Virginia, where he was raising his sons—Southampton and Ivor remained his true home at heart.

Roy attended the University of Maryland College Park and found lifelong brotherhood in the Spring of 1990 with Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Epsilon Psi Chapter, “Let’s Make a Deal” line, line name “911” / “Precious”). A standout athlete, he starred on the gridiron for Southampton High and went on to play semi-pro football in St. Louis and with the Virginia Monarchs. Roy channeled that drive and passion into his work as a coach and fitness professional. A true fitness fanatic who routinely trained twice a day, Roy never met a physical challenge he wouldn't take on—even jumping into a kayak without ever learning how to swim.

Charismatic, resilient, and unapologetically boisterous, Roy was a solid protector and a loyal brother in every sense of the word. He was the dependable heart of any circle, keeping everyone laughing with signature phrases like “For real, for real,” “James Brown,” and “and what not.” His soundtrack was loud and iconic—from blasting Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money” with his best friend before heading out across the country, to playing hip-hop anthems by 2Pac and 50 Cent that Little Roy knew his mom would never approve of. Roy found fun wherever he looked, whether turning an Egyptian-themed runway show into an impromptu calendar business idea, or sharing sometimes-inappropriate humor with his sister Trice during life’s heaviest moments. And when he graced the dance floor with his patented “Hop,” everyone present could feel the vitality and unbridled joy of a man who knew how to leap into life and bring everyone along with him.

Above all else, Roy lived for his family. He cherished every moment with his niece Addison and held immense pride in his sons. With his oldest, Little Roy, that bond lived in the steady rituals they made their own: regular trips to the bowling alley, unfiltered car-ride soundtracks, and the affectionate nickname he gave him that always stuck: “Ray J.” Roy was establishing new rituals with his precious surprise, John, who popped into the world unexpectedly and kept his daddy on his toes with a left hook or a spontaneous race at any moment. One thing that was no surprise was Roy’s love of coming home to greet him with that resonant call of “Big John Purdie!”—his booming voice echoing throughout the house, signaling that another evening of fun was about to begin.

Roy was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Purdie Jr., and his cherished grandparents: Leroy Purdie Sr., Edna Mae Purdie, Walter Jones, and Lizzie Mae Jones.

His legacy of strength, warmth, and laughter is carried on by his mother, Diana Purdie; his sons, Leroy Purdie IV and Sir “John” Purdie; his sister, Katrice “Trice” Purdie (Christian); his niece, Addison Murphy; his fiancée, Adrian Coffey; his cousins; and a dedicated brotherhood of lifelong friends who were family in every way that counted.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00pm, Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ivor, VA. The interment will take place at the Davis Cemetery. The family has entrusted Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. with services rendered with dignity, compassion, and care.