William J. Purdie Jr., retired Norfolk Southern Railway Master Mechanic – Steam, was honored recently by receiving the 2007 Gerald M. Best Senior Achievement Award. The Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Awards Chairman, Mark E. Entrop, presented this award at the Norfolk Southern Corporations’ David R. Goode office building in Atlanta, Georgia on December 10, 2007. Dignitaries, co-workers, family and friends traveled far and wide to come celebrate with Mr. Purdie on such a historical moment in his honor. A reception was held after the presentation of this award with those in attendance reminiscing of the good ole days when a small fleet of steam locomotives traveled the rails bringing happiness and fond memories to many.

Purdie received this award for his contributions, dedication, and innovations in preserving the history of the railroad during his forty-seven year career with Southern Railway and Norfolk Southern Railway. Initially, Purdie's railroad career began as a helper, soon progressing to a machinist's apprentice, machinist, roundhouse foreman and then in 1968 until his retirement in 1982, Master Mechanic – Steam.

In 1967, while living in Atlanta, Purdie was called to the railroad headquarters in Washington, D.C. by then Southern Railway president W. Graham Claytor, Jr. to discuss the railroad's steam excursion program which Claytor had organized. Purdie was to become the Master Mechanic-Steam, and was given an office in Birmingham, Alabama at Southern Railways Norris Yard. Delighted to take the position, Purdie did not leave his home in Atlanta. Rather he worked at Norris Yard or on the road. Purdie entertained railroad enthusiasts for many years with the performances from his group of aging but well maintained steam locomotives.

The railroads' steam excursion program brought Purdie much enjoyment and long lasting memories. Seeing the steam and smoke rolling from the stack and the sound of the whistle blowing created enthusiasm in young and old alike standing trackside as the train rolled into their town. “It always made me smile”, Purdie said, “while watching young children see a stream engine for the first time or watching the older fans enjoy a stroll down memory lane”.

During his tenure of working on the locomotives' along with his other responsibilities Purdie always had time for those he worked with or for people he met in the towns. However, it was the young children that took Mr. Purdie's heart. In copyright photo by The Birmingham News,  Mr. Purdie kneeling down next to steam engine ex-Savannah and Atlanta 750 in Birmingham. Here Purdie takes time to share his love and the story of the steam locomotive to a thrilled little girl who came to see excitement of the train.

Southern steam locomotives were used in many film and movie productions such as Fools Parade and a Johnny Cash Special affording the opportunity to meet many celebrities like Jimmy Stewart and Johnny Cash. Purdie is a celebrity in his own right among a select group. Purdie, has been featured in Trains magazine with a five page story by David P. Morgan as well as being penned in Steams' Camelot by author Jim Wrinn. Wrinn spoke of the many accomplishments Purdie had made to the Southern Railway, but it is "Our Friendship that makes a lifetime of memories." Wrinn brought copies of his book for the guests, with Mr. Purdie autographing each book as the guests made their way to congratulate him on his award.

Purdie's love for the Southern Railway and the steam engines is a family tradition. Purdies' father William

Purdie, Sr., began working for the Southern Railway at Pegram shop in Atlanta as a machinist when William Purdie, Jr. was three years old. In 1936, after serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps, Purdie Jr. started his 47 year career spanning some of the most exciting times in railroading. Some of the innovations that Southern Railway put in place lead the industry in developing safe and efficient railroad transportation.

The love for the Southern Railway and steam engines is just as strong today. An H-O model layout is well underway, depicting familiar places like Pegram Shop, Inman Yard and Roundhouse, North Avenue Coach Yard and Atlanta Terminal Station. It is not unusual to find Purdie sitting in the superintendent’s seat overlooking the layout while his friends and family share the sights and sounds of the trains. This work in progress is being accomplished with the help of family and friends. Each detail holds a memory of an era of bygone days to the steadfast love between a father and his family.

Purdie, now 92, has resided in Alpharetta for 14 years.