Richard Junior Murphy, 81, of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, passed away on July 13, 2024, at Saint Bernard’s Medical Center of Jonesboro, Arkansas, following a very brief illness.
He was born on August 16, 1942, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, one of 6 children born to Preston & Gladys (Marshall) Murphy. Richard was employed by Callahan Farms for over 20 years. Being the hard worker he was, there were few days he’d work less than 12 hours. He was in the National Guard, a distinction of which he was very proud, for over 15 years. He didn’t boast about it, but he sure was proud to have served his country. Richard loved to stay busy, always tinkering on an old vehicle, tractor, or lawnmower. If he couldn’t fix it, and get it in running order, it would be a safe bet that whatever it was, couldn’t be fixed. He enjoyed fishing (and he always caught the biggest, according to him!) and of course hunting those elusive whitetails and rascally rabbits.
Survivors include his daughter, Shirley (Jerry) Nicholas of Alicia, Arkansas, and a son Ricky (Carla) Murphy of Jerseyville, Illinois; Seven grandchildren also survive: Rochelle, Anthony, Amanda, Samantha, Emily, Rebecca, and Joe; and 17 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters: Nadine Wedger of St. Louis, Missouri, Denise Murphy of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Regina Sanders of Quinlan, Texas; Two brothers: Shane Murphy and Edward Murphy both of Quinlin, Texas; His caring companion, Geraldine Bell, of Truman, Arkansas, and a host of other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Geraldine Ramsey, brothers Roy, Kenneth, and Gary Murphy, and a sister, Minnie “Sue” Hancock.
Visitation will be held from 3 P.M. till 6 P.M. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Bryan Funeral Home in Hoxie, Arkansas. Following cremation rites, per his request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date, to spread his ashes at Whitaker’s Cemetery in Walnut Ridge, next to his parents’ graves.
Memorials may be made to charity of one’s choice, in care of Bryan Funeral Home
