Reverend Gene Purdy

While Johnny was in his coma, Reverend Purdy (David Ogden Stiers) became his legal guardian, and after the death of Johnny's mother, he gained control her estate. While Purdy certainly craves power and money, his ability to influence people and bring God into their lives through his university and ministry is his primary motivation. He appears to be a man who genuinely believes in what he preaches; he is a hero in his own mind. He views Johnny as someone destined to play an important role in the world - perhaps even fulfilling elements of Biblical prophecy. Purdy tries to be helpful in Johnny's personal journey, but struggles to keep Johnny's trust. After a horrible fire claimed both his church and his good friend Walt, Purdy left Cleaves Mills.