James Purnell Highsmith

James Purnell Highsmith, age 91, of Lakeland, Georgia, went home peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Langdale Hospice House. Born on December 3, 1933, in Cogdell, GA, he was the son of the late Glen Highsmith and Lillie Mae Bennett Highsmith.

Purnell was the kind of man who found joy in the simple things—fishing on a quiet day, working with his hands in the woodshop, tending the yard, or growing vegetables in the garden. He carried a strong work ethic all his life, spending most of his career in the woods as a pulpwood logger. Many will remember his years at Lakeland Oil Company, where he not only filled gas tanks but also shared friendly conversation and a smile with every customer who stopped by.

Above all, Purnell had a heart for gospel music. Singing and listening to those timeless hymns brought him peace and happiness, and it was one of his greatest joys. He will be remembered as a humble, gentle man who worked hard, lived simply, and left behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and steady love.

Purnell is preceded by his parents; beloved first wife, Marie Carter Highsmith; siblings, Irvin Nettles, Sadie Belle Nettles, Elma Lee Gibbs and Dell Highsmith; brothers-in-law: William Carter, Allen Kent and Russell Kent.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Leona Griner Highsmith; children, Charles Highsmith (Tammy) of Quitman, GA, Randy Highsmith (Brenda) of Lake Park, GA, Jimmy Highsmith (Becky) of Murphy, NC; grandchildren: Katelyn Elder (Cory), Holden Highsmith (Caroline), Karli Highsmith, DeAnna Shaw, Delaine Highsmith, Heather Brown (Kurt), Holly Highsmith, Haley Evans (Phil) and Harrison Highsmith; great grandchildren: Langston, Kamryn, Evelyn Kate, Jack, Makayla, Noah, Austin, Peyton, Hannah and Holden; sister-in-law, Carolyn Highsmith of Helen, GA; brothers-in-law: Roy Carter (Anna), and Harley Carter; sisters-in-law: Shirley Avery (Robert), Mary C. Carter, Martha Jo Kent and Leuna Kent and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm on Friday, September 26, 2025, in the Chapel of Music Funeral Services, Lakeland with burial to follow in Camp Creek Cemetery, Clinch County, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 3:00 PM on Friday. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. The Highsmith family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.