Obituaries

Arvil "AL" Pursley, age 77, of Signal Mountain, TN, died Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

He was a United States Army veteran, serving in Vietnam from 1968-1969. He worked 36 years as a railroad engineer for Norfolk Southern. He was a state legislative representative for the BLE. He loved the outdoors, horses, and spending time with his family. He also had a great sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oval and Velma Pursley; brother, C.D. Pursley; and sister, Margaret Pursley.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathryn Pursley of Signal Mountain, TN; children, Michelle Pursley of Signal Mountain, TN and Brian Pursley of Pikeville, TN; grandchildren, Derrick Pursley, Daphen Pursley, Jacob Ruffner and Rachel Ruffner; and brother, Jerry Pursley of Pikeville, TN.

Graveside services will be held Friday, March6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN, with interment to follow. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville, TN. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. CST.