Purdie joined Southern Railway as a helper in 1936 and progressed to machinist, and later to roundhouse foreman at Atlanta’s Pegram Shops in 1952. Southern’s decision to operate an extensive series of steam-powered excursion trains led President W. Graham Claytor Jr. to ask Purdie to become master mechanic-steam in 1967. Purdie lived in Atlanta, but ran the program from an office in Irondale, Ala., site of the steam shop.
Purdie became a preservation icon during the era, whether holding down the fireman’s side of the cab on engines 4501, 722, 630, and 750, or working through the night to repair them for an excursion the next day. Always approachable, he was kind to all, and revered by his workers and the fans. The program drew thousands who became familiar with Purdie and the Southern. As the years went on, Purdie was instrumental in the restoration and operation of more powerful locomotives that Southern leased, including Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 No. 610, Canadian Pacific 4-6-4 No. 2839, and Chesapeake & Ohio 2-8-4 No. 2716. With the 1982 Southern-Norfolk & Western merger, Purdie concluded his career with the restoration of N&W Class J No. 611. He retired in December 1982, but kept busy with the Southeastern Railway Museum near Atlanta and as a consultant and friend to steam restoration projects nationwide.
The September 1976 issue of Trains included a story from Editor David P. Morgan about Purdie, which Morgan subtitled “A True Tale of a Steel Drivin’Man.”
Purdie’s funeral will be held Sunday at East Point Presbyterian Church in East Point, Ga., at 2 p.m.
– Jim Wrinn
