Benjamin Purcell

Benjamin Harrison Purcell, Jr. (February 14, 1928 – April 2, 2013) was an United States Army officer, businessman, and a state legislator.

Background
Born in Banks County, Georgia, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946. In 1948 he enlisted in the United States Army ROTC program at what is now the University of North Georgia and was commissioned an army officer. He served in the Korean War and at Fort Benning. In 1967, he was sent to Vietnam. While he was Vietnam, Purcell was captured while riding in a helicopter. He was held prisoner until 1973, when he was released. After he retired from the army in 1980, he served in the Georgia House of Representatives as a Democrat, representing State District #9 which includes the areas around Dawsonville and Dahlonega from 1993 to 1997. Purcell and his wife wrote a book: Love & Duty. He also owned a Christmas tree farm in Clarkesville, Georgia. He died in Clarkesville, Georgia.