Phillip R. Pursley

Phillip Ronald Pursley, of Park Forest, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021 after a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Karen nee Ennenbach; his 3 children, Melissa “Micki” Pursley (Tracy McNutt), Matthew Pursley (Wendy nee Barrios) and Megan Shaklee; 5 grandchildren, Brad and Lynn Pursley and Bella, Emi and Theodore “Teddy” Shaklee; his brother Kenneth Pursley of Deming, NM; sister-in-law Kathy Ennenbach and nephew Craig Ennenbach (Jennifer nee O’Connor). Phil was a cousin to many.

A true renaissance man, Phil had many interests. Family and friends enjoyed the results of his organic garden every season and he had a deep love of nature, hiking (especially with his sweet 4-legged best friend Hannah), history, and travel, particularly to Ireland. With a passion for music, Phil played his clarinet in the Bell Canto trio. His philanthropic work included serving as the Vice President of the Tinley Park Historical Society and volunteered at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve. He loved to photograph his grandchildren’s soccer games and share photos on social media of his flowers.

Phil never met a stranger; he took great interest in the stories of people. He had a sense of humor and a love of life that carried him through his diagnosis. He touched so many lives, everywhere he went. 

Phil was preceded in death by brother-in-law Thomas Ennenbach and nephew Brian Ennenbach and his beloved parents, Eugene and Alice  Pursley née Warren.