Charles Robert Pursifull
1930-2020
Charles Robert Pursifull, a man loved by all, passed from this life at age 90 on Saturday, May 2, 2020. “Charley Bob,” as he was affectionately called by family members and old friends, was born January 5, 1930, in Maude, Oklahoma, to Robert and Esther Pursifull. His childhood years were spent in the Three Sands oil community and Tonkawa, Oklahoma, where he developed a love for music, played basketball, and shined shoes at the local barber shop. He played tuba in the US Navy band for four years, and graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a BBA and MBA. He went on to enjoy a successful career as a Certified Public Accountant for multiple companies including Arthur Anderson, Gulf South, Horseshoe Development Company, and Grant Thornton, and also served in one of his proudest roles as President of John Roberts Manufacturing Co. He found a passion for teaching in his second career as a Professor of Accounting at the University of Central Oklahoma, and worked as a devoted Broncho until his retirement in 2014.
In 1963 he married Barbara Darlene Lankford, and together they raised two daughters, Robye Kay and Pamela, making special memories in Austin, Texas, and Edmond, Oklahoma. Charley was an active Methodist, and member of New Covenant UMC and First UMC of Edmond. His favorite pastimes were watching golf, cheering on his Sooners, playing big band music on the string bass and piano, writing songs and above all, helping the students he adored. His pride and joy was founding the UCO Accounting Club Golf Tournament, and this year would mark its 25th Anniversary if not for COVID-19.
Charley’s biggest passion in life was the people he met on the journey, and he was known for his positive personality, encouraging and motivational words, listening ear, and ever-present smile. He lives on as the song in the hearts of many, and his sharing and caring approach to life will never be forgotten.
Charley was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Esther Pursifull, two brothers, Leroy and Wilbur, and one sister, Ona Mae. He is survived by his “dear ones,” including wife Barbara, brother Victor Lee, daughter Robye Kay and husband Kevin Jackson, daughter Pamela and husband Brian Wood, grandchildren Andrew, Phillip, Christian, Jessica, Jenny and Jaci Kay, great grandson Ashton, and numerous nieces, nephews, precious family members and beloved friends.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Veraden, OU Medical Center Edmond, and Companion Care Hospice for the excellent care and love shown during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to in Accounting supporting UCO students. Make a one time or recurring donation to www.centralconnection.org/charlespursifull, or mail a check payable to The UCO Foundation at 100 N University Drive , Campus Box 133, Edmond, OK 73013. Include a note stating that the donation should go to the Charles Pursifull Endowed Scholarship in Accounting.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, Oklahoma.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to health regulations. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Thanks to all who visit online. We will have a Celebration of Life in July, so we will try and notify everyone in some way. Please friend Pamela Wood or Robye Jackson on Facebook for the best updates. We are so lucky to be the daughters of this extraordinary man, and we know he touched many lives. We love hearing stories, so share away! Our hearts sour knowing people loved him so!
soar…dad would laugh at me!
He would laugh. That laugh of his that made people smile.
Yes, I keep wanting to refer to him by his self-claimed initials for…Charles Robert Augustus Pursifull. THAT would make him laugh!
I just had to laugh at that typo too Robye, Ha! 🙂 Love you Cuz, …I want to write more latter. Patty
The new date for the CELEBRATION OF LIFE and the link to watch are at the bottom of the obituary…May 29, 2021 at 10:00AM
Charley, aka Mr. Pursifull, was the best accounting teacher ever! I am so thankful to have had him for my classes. He truly cared about his students and offered advice, not only on school but in life in general.
I am so grateful to have gotten to be friends with him and the whole family. He will be so missed greatly. I remember in one of our accounting classes he had brought his guitar and sang for us one of the songs he wrote. It was awesome and a great story.
He is smiling down on us from Heaven!
Robye Kay and Pam your dad was an extraordinary man/human. I know this is a huge loss for you both. You have great memories to keep alive of your dad. I am thinking of you both and your families. Love to you, Stacy
I met Charlie when I came to UCO as a professor in 2008. In the years that followed, I marveled at his energy, intelligence and wit as well as his spirituality. As I met his family members, I realized that he was the example that they follow in their lives. I have had the pleasure of working with Charlie on the annual UCO Scramble on the Greens golf tournament for several years.
Though he is no longer walking among us, his example remains for us to carry on. He was a true example of a servant of God.
My prayers remain with his family. May God’s grace and peace enfold and warm you in the days ahead.
Blessings to all of you,
Ed
Charles Pursifull was a great man with so many wonderful qualities. I worked with him at UCO in the College of Business in the early 90s. He will be so missed but what a legacy he has left behind with all the students he taught. I remember how caring and kind he was with each student that visited his office hours. He wanted to make sure that they understood all the concepts. I am so sorry for his passing and the loss you all feel. I lost my own father in late July so I can understand the sorrow. Charlie was one of my favorite people and he will be sorely missed! Blessings for each of you as you walk this new journey without your beloved husband and father.
Praying for you!
Vickie Garlitz
I have so many fond memories of being at your house both as a kid and an adult. Your parents always made me feel like their third daughter, and I loved your dad almost as much as my own. I’m sure the two of them are somewhere together telling jokes and singing at the top of their lungs.
I was so saddened to hear this news today. But, will fondly remember meeting Charley at Truman for an assembly when I was there. Also, hearing so many lovely stories about what an incredible father and human being he was from his daughter, and my friend, Robye Kay.
His wonderful legacy will live on. Much love and encouragement to the sweet Jackson family. And to all his extended family and friends.
Bless you all,
Sincerely,
Cynthia and Joseph Love
I had the privilege of meeting Charlie Pursifull when he interviewed me in my Senior year at Central State College for a staff position at Arthur Andersen & Co. It was his recommendation that started my employment and career in the accounting profession from 1965 to 1973. I had the privilege of working with Charlie on several auditing clients and later assisted with the tax return preparation services when Charlie was with John Roberts Manufacturing Company. However, it was not until 1981 that I attended a Sunday church service at New Covenant U. M. Church when Charlie greeted me with his smile and encouraged me to join the Church. Charlie immediately introduced me to the Minister, Ed Hart, and managed to have me assigned to the Church’s Building Committee. Charlie insured that I was not going to check out another church to attend by introducing me to other church members by creating a personal relationship. It was Charlie’s guidance and friendship that I will always remember. My condolence to Barbara, Robye Kay and Pamela and their families. We will miss Charlie.
George M. Hall
Hi George –
I wanted to let you know we will be having a memorial celebration for dad on Saturday , May 29, 2021 at 10am at Mathews Funeral home. please share with others as you see fit.
Thanks so much
I worked for Charley as an internal auditor in the 1970’s at Gulf South Corporation. He worked tirelessly on a “Plan of Reorganization” for that conglomerate and would share his ideas with me. His creative vision inspired me to become a CPA. Through my career, it was his example that guided me! In later years, I hired one of his students discovering that his example and influence had expanded to many! His devotion to Barbara and the girls was undeniable!
Barbara and family,
We enjoyed knowing Charlie and Barbara as long time neighbors and are sorry to hear of his passing. Charlie was always pleasant and friendly and was a good neighbor. Out condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
JoAnn snd Bill Young
Arrowhead
I taught Accounting at UCO with Charley for many years, and he was one of my favorite people. His reputation as a teacher was legendary, and his students loved and respected him. As a colleague, he was equally wonderful–he offered wise advice, support, and encouragement to his fellow faculty members. His energy and enthusiasm for life were inspiring, and I valued his friendship.
May God bless and comfort your family during this time.
As I was a student of Professor Charles Pursifull at UCO 2013 he was favorite professor in accounting for all student from Saudi Arabia and I’m glad he was my professor and graduated as an accountant.
From Saudi Arabia from all his students we say sorry we lost him and we are praying to him for forgiveness especially we are in the holly month of Ramadan.
To his family, sorry for him all I can do is praying to all of you.
I was trying to figure out what to say about Charley Pursifull and the 1st thought that came to mind was how it was truly a blessing to have the chance to work with him. He is all the things everyone has said in their comments here are spot on about him. I just remember his mischievous smile he would get when he was about to give someone “a hard time”, how he was open to talking to his students, and how he was very detailed in his work especially when it came to make sure faculty were signed up for graduation. I got the honor of working with him with graduation sign-up and helping print out poster for the Accounting golf tournament, after he retired I missed seeing his smiling face on campus but still got to enjoy a few calls during the summer when he was getting ready for the Accounting golf tournament and those calls meant the world to me. He will be greatly missed in this world but let’s hold onto all the memories he gave to all of us. Prayers to all his family during this time and all the moments later when you remember him. Hugs!
August 2023
Hi dear Charley. We are so happy that you and Barbara are forever together now in heaven.
We miss you both so very much.
We send our prayers and love.
Until we meet again.
Donnie and Cathey Lankford