John M. Purnell, a veteran reporter who worked for Eastern Shore newspapers and earlier for The Palm Beach Post, died Thursday from undetermined causes at Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 1971, he traveled to Florida and landed a job on The Palm Beach Post, where he handled a variety of assignments. Mr. Purnell eventually left Palm Beach and joined the staff of the Washington Times, where he was a metro reporter and columnist. “John could hold so many facts in his head,” said Ms. Alva, who met Mr. Purnell while a student at College Park. He is survived by two brothers, William H. Purnell Jr. and Charles D. Purnell, both of West Ocean City; a nephew; and two nieces.

Source: Daily Sun January 22, 2018 19:51 UTC