Sandhills_Sentinel

Union Pines High School Athletic Director Bobby Purvis passed away Monday from bladder cancer. 

Purvis, 64, was employed with the school district for over 40 years. He also served Moore County students as a teacher and coach.

Under his leadership, his teams collected 17 championships in track and field and 17 championships in basketball with more than 400 wins, according to North Carolina High School Athletic Association. He was the Region 4 women’s basketball coach for the North Carolina State Games in 1988 and was chosen as a head men’s coach for the East/West All-Star game in 2007.

Purvis was named “Coach of the Year” 16 times in track and basketball.

He was selected as the Region 4 “Athletic Director of the Year” in 2016 and is a member of the Union Pines High School Hall of Fame.

Last year, Purvis received the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

In an interview with Sandhills Sentinel last fall when he received the Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award, Purvis said the most important thing he teaches student-athletes is trust, unselfishness, and putting the team first. He added that the biggest thing students have taught him is their intentions, spirit, and thoughts on always trying to do the right thing.

Purvis said he was very surprised about the award, but the award was not about him.

“This is not my award,” Purvis said in 2019. “It’s Union Pines, the students, and the community’s award. This award is shared by many.”

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

 

Contributed photo.

 

 

 

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