Turner Gage “Superman” Purvis

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Turner Gage “Superman” Purvis, 21, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Children’s of Alabama, surrounded by the family who loved him beyond measure.

Born on August 17, 2005, in Panama City, Florida, Turner brought a kind of joy into the world that could not be measured in words. He had an infectious smile, a laugh that could brighten any room, and blue eyes that could melt your heart. Turner had a way of reaching people without ever having to say a word. His presence was a gift, and those who knew him will forever carry a little piece of his light with them.

Turner loved music, singing, and dancing. He enjoyed watching Bluey, SpongeBob SquarePants, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory. He loved to move, whether he was swinging, riding in his wheelchair, or flying along at full speed. The faster the ride and the bumpier the path, the better. Turner knew how to find happiness in the moment, and his excitement was often contagious.

Halloween was especially memorable for Turner and his family. Each year, his dad, Raymond, put countless hours of creativity and love into building elaborate costumes around Turner’s wheelchair. Turner became everything from an 18-wheeler to Superman and a bulldozer. But his favorite was a shark cage, with his entire family dressed as sharks surrounding him. It was more than a costume; it was a family tradition filled with imagination, laughter, and memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. Those who loved Turner understood that making life special for him was never just an occasion. It was a way of life.

Turner was also a proud member of Dothan’s Miracle League, where he got to experience the fun of playing baseball. One of the sweetest parts of those days was having his little brother, Gavin, push him around the bases. Gavin may have been the younger brother, but he was also Turner’s protector, his support, and an incredible brother in every sense of the word. Their bond was something special, built on a love that went far beyond what words could ever explain.

Turner’s parents, Brandi and Raymond, devoted countless hours to caring for him, making sure he had the support, comfort, and opportunities he deserved. But their love reached far beyond caregiving. They were Turner’s voice when he could not speak for himself, his advocates when he needed someone to stand up for him, and his greatest source of comfort and security. They learned his needs, celebrated his victories, found ways to make him smile, and gave him a life filled with love. The care they gave him was extraordinary, but so was the bond they shared with him. Turner was their son, their joy, and a part of their hearts that will always belong to him.

Animals seemed to understand Turner in their own special way. They were drawn to him and often protective of him. During one visit to a kitten adoption, the cats seemed to make their choice for themselves, stopping what they were doing and climbing all over Turner. It was a moment that perfectly captured something those who knew him already understood: there was something about Turner that made others feel drawn to him, whether they had two legs or four.

Turner faced challenges that many could never fully understand, yet his courageous fight never wavered. He showed strength in his own way, and his life reminded those around him that joy does not have to be loud, love does not always need words, and a person’s impact cannot be measured by what they can or cannot do. Turner’s life was not defined by his disabilities, but by the happiness he brought, the love he received and gave, and the countless ways he touched the hearts of those around him.

He was deeply loved by his family, his friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. Turner was their Superman, not because he never faced hard days, but because his life was filled with a kind of courage, love, and spirit that made him unforgettable. His journey was not an easy one, but it was surrounded by a love that never stopped showing up for him.

Turner leaves behind a family who would have moved mountains for him and a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring both smiles and tears. His laughter will be missed. His smile will be remembered. His place in the family will never be filled, because there will never be another Turner.

He was preceded in death by his father, Chris Purvis; grandfathers, Bobby Purvis and Don McCurdy.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving parents, Brandi Purvis and Raymond Bates; his beloved brother, Gavin Purvis; grandmothers, Charlotte Purvis, affectionately known as “Bashi,” Daintie McCurdy, lovingly called “Nana Nut Bread,” and Renese Moran; grandfather, Allen Bates; and many loving aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends who will forever hold Turner close in their hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Ward Wilson Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Turner’s nurse, Terri Tedder, for the love, compassion, and dedication she showed.

Fly high, Superman. You will always be loved, always be missed, and never, ever be forgotten.