Tim was born on April 10th, 1955 in Greenville, Texas to Bill Puryear and Jane Pugh. From an early age, Tim had a need for speed and to drive anything with wheels or tracks! From the age of 10, he was already driving Army tanks at his father's National Guard armory. His father was an accomplished racer and champion at the local dirt tracks. It wasn't long before Tim himself got the fever to follow in his father's footsteps.
In high school, he had a dark blue 1969 AMC Javelin that he loved to street and drag race. He liked to call it his ''Nash''. He put at least 3 different engines in it, going bigger every time! It had a 401 with a 4 speed in it. Even had a tail light switch for getting away from the police! He always raced in his socks because he said that you could feel the pedal better that way. He even drag raced his Mom's Javelin one night at the Paris Drag Strip. One of her friends saw him racing it and told her about it at work Monday morning. She called him on the phone and she asked him ''So why didn't you win?''. To which he replied ''I forgot to turn the air conditioner off!''. He would put on ''Radar Love'' by Golden Earring in Greenville and try to make it his girlfriend Gay's house in Quinlan before the song ended. Succeeding more times than not! Tim was part of the Taco Bell Gang. They were also known to hold court at The Icehouse. A band of brothers that kept in touch well after there rough and rowdy days. Many of his friends called him ''Timboy''.
Soon after his clutch exploded in his Javelin at the Como Drag Strip, he traded in the drag strip for the dirt track! Tim would go on to become a legend in the Hot Stock/Late Model class around the DFW area tracks. A man who could always do more with less and still be competitive and win. Even going as far to sewing tire sidewalls back together and racing with them. Tim went on to win hundreds of feature races and countless track championships. A man who was regarded as being one of the smoothest drivers to ever wheel a car. He could be sound asleep in the staging area. Wake up and win the feature! Racing was his passion. He was also a huge Dale Earnhardt fan, owning all of his collectible die cast cars.
From a young age, Tim was instilled with a strong work ethic. He was an ace mechanic. He could fix anything if you gave him just a little time to figure it out! His calm demeanor allowed him to figure out any problem that was brought his way. He worked at White's Auto, Robert Storey Volkswagen, Cass Motors, Lakeside Chevrolet, Dewayne's Garage, LKQ and David Pope Produce.
Tim was one of the kindest human beings there ever was. He loved to laugh and loved to tell stories! He was always up for a good racing story or any story involving his lifelong friends from high school. He would always be sure to tell you that they would throw you under the jail today for what they go into back then! He loved 70's music and he would be the first to tell you that it was the best music ever made!
Tim loved his friends and family. He was a generous man. He would give you the shirt off of his back, even if it was his last shirt. He loved his sons and adored his grandchildren more than anything in the world!
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and his son, Mikey. His close friend Dennis ''Roundboy'' Brierton. As well as his brother in law, David Pope.
He is survived by his sons, Brad Puryear and wife Jordan, Scott Puryear, Justin Puryear, and Jasen Puryear. A sister, Joy Pope, and 7 grandchildren.
Condolences(9)
Gary and Stacy Phillips
Greenville, TX Saturday, June 13, 2026 Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.Garry ned Bolch
Lone Oak, TX Friday, June 12, 2026 WE will miss you. But will not forget you,keith turney
WOLFE CITY, TX Monday, June 8, 2026 Rest in peace my friend!!! Great memories from working with you and seeing you at the dirt tracks!!!!Marshall D. Jarvis Jr
Greenville, TX Monday, June 8, 2026 Tim,I’m standing in awe as you take that victory lap to Heaven ~Go Tim G0!
Apples don’t fall far from the tree and the reflection you carried was created by Thee.
I’m Thanking the Lord for His Almighty comfort as He touches the hearts of the ones so close…
A lot can the learnt from a mechanic that races. You see
Tim’s body may of had a few dents, dings, and crashes however the soul God created to live within can not and will not be touched by the black flag foes.
We have not lost Tim because we know where he is at. The interview went well and He received that Grand Promotion.
Until then our hearts will go on beating ~~~~~~~~
Save us a seat Tim.
We love you
Rest Easy,
Love Always cousin Jaybo…
Crissy Raney
Mabank, TX Monday, June 8, 2026 My friend….you will be missed!! As hard as it is knowing you’re gone, I know that you are no longer suffering and able to get back to racing. You mean more to me than you ever knew. I will never forget you and the fun times we had. You’ll always be a racing legend in my book!! ❤️ you always and forever!Your friend—Miller Time!
John Elliott
Bismarck, ND Monday, June 8, 2026 Our deepest sympathy for Tim’s family! RIP!John & Susie Elliott
Randy Jarvis
Bertram, TX Monday, June 8, 2026 Tim you will be missed by many, you were one heck of a daddy and a good friend to so many, you were always there for your family and friends. We had alot of fun over the years and I forsure cherished all of our time together. I know your in a better place now and talking to Big Brum and All the racers that have passed on and holding your coke in your arms as always love you buddy and tell everyone in heaven hello from me... God Bless you and your family. GENTLEMAN START YOUR ENGINE'SPam Green Miller
Caddo Mills, TX, TX Monday, June 8, 2026 Tim was a great guy who had been suffering several years. Now he's out of pain and in God's arms. Prayer for comfort for Joy Lynn and his whole family. Hugs!!Pam Green Miller
Caddo Mills, TX, TX Monday, June 8, 2026 Tim was a great guy who had been suffering several years. Now he's out of pain and in God's arms. Prayer for comfort for Joy Lynn and his whole family. Hugs!!