William Puhr Obituary

William Edward James Puhr August 14, 1939 - August 28, 2024

William Edward James Puhr went to be with the Lord on August 28, 2024.

Ed Puhr was born August 14th, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Edward and Catherine (Devine) Puhr. After graduating in 1957 from Mt Carmel Catholic High School, he went on to study art at the Chicago Art institute, received a bachelor's degree in education from the Chicago's Teachers College, and later received a Master's degree in Religious Studies from La Salle University.

In 1965, SGT William Edward James Puhr was enlisted in the US Army. He served in Vietnam as an intelligence specialist. He was awarded the National Defense and Vietnam service medals, Vietnam campaign medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1968. He met his wife of 55 years in Saigon while both were serving their country, and they married in the fall of 1968. Ed was a devoted husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and faithful disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was known for his generosity, compassion, painting, and hard work ethic. He delighted in the truth, goodness, and beauty of God's word and creation - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things." Philippians 4:8.

During his career, Ed worked as a public-school teacher in Chicago and Philadelphia and later as a probation and correctional officer in Florida where he developed a passion for ministry in substance abuse counseling/rehabilitation. During retirement, Ed enjoyed painting, participating in events at the International Storytelling Center, and volunteering at church. He deeply loved the Boones Creek Christian Church congregation and staff.

Ed will be greatly missed by his wife Cathy Puhr; children, Victoria Touati, Rebecca Puhr, and LTC Joshua (Dianna) Puhr; his grandchildren, Ryan Touati, Nora Touati, Jacoby Puhr, Mathias Puhr, Aria Puhr, Justin Puhr, and Josie Puhr; and his sister's children, John, Leo, Kathy, and Mary. The family would like to thank WCJC EMS, JCMC ER and ICU teams, Karing Hearts Cardiology, and Boones Creek Christian Church pastoral care staff and parish nurse for all of the support, care, and love given to Ed and his family.

Ed's life is a testimony to God's grace, forgiveness, and love. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Graveside service will be held at the Mountain Home National VA Cemetery (historic side) on Thursday, September 12, 2024, 11:00 am. Family and friends are invited to gather following the graveside service at the home of Drs. Joshua and Dianna Puhr.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to Brother's Keeper https://brotherskeepertn.com/donate/ in memory of Ed Puhr.

Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.app fh.net . Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 East Watauga Ave, Johnson City, TN 37604 is honored to be serving the Puhr family. 423-928-6111.