Born and raised in Clinton, Mississippi, Will Purdie graduated from Clinton High School in 2003. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2008 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2011. Will practiced law in both private practice and state government before becoming the City Attorney for Clinton in 2019. From 2022 until announcing his candidacy for mayor, he also served as Municipal Judge.

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An active member of Calvary Baptist Church, Will serves on the Deacon Council. He resides in Clinton with his wife, Kimberly, and their daughter, Emmaline.