George Reaves Murphey

George Reaves Murphey was born July 28, 1930 in Tyler, Texas to George Melrose and Grace Longacre Murphey. Reaves was an avid golfer and master contract bridge player. He was fourth generation Murphey The Jeweler and was a master watchmaker. Reaves knew the Lord and became a Christian early in his life. He had a complete and full life when he passed away the early morning of December 20, 2013 at Hospice of East Texas. Reaves graduated from Tyler High School, then Southern Methodist University where he graduated with a BBA degree. He also graduated with a horology degree for watchmaking in Elgin, Illinois. Reaves never knew a stranger. He had a kind and encouraging word for all, and had an infectious laugh. Rumor had it that you could hear his laugh at any time, on any hole, at Willow Brook Country Club. Reaves had a servant’s heart. He was an active member of Marvin United Methodist Church where, during the years, he was an usher, lay leader, board member, as well as dedicated member and song leader of the Friendly Bible Class. Reaves is survived by his loving family including his wife, Billie Pye Murphey, his two sons and their wives, Shannon Murphey and wife Jan of Bullard, and Rick Murphey and wife Judie of Tyler. Grandchildren are Abigail Murphey of Lubbock, Amanda Bornich and husband Lars of Ames, Iowa, Ginger Floyd and husband Andrew of Tyler, and Jennifer Nickerson and husband Daryl of Wiley, great grandson Anderson and brother-in-law Dr. Harold Smith of Tyler. He was preceded in death by his first wife Collesta Delores Murphey, son Michael Terrance Murphey, daughter Holly Delle Murphey, sister Melrose Smith and grandson Andrew David Murphey. The family had a private graveside service December 23, 2013 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tyler. There will be a Celebration of Life Service in his precious memory at Marvin United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at 11:00 AM with pastors Dr. Doug Baker and Dr. Marty Dunbar officiating. Visitation will be held at the church following the service. Honorary pallbearers will be Walter Farrington, John White, Jim Deakins, Harold Beaird, Cotton Turner, Bill Lust, Wilson Hood, A.J. Triggs, David Houston, Dr. Harold Willingham and The Friendly Class of Marvin United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any memorials or gifts be made to the American Cancer Society, 1301 S. Broadway, Tyler 75701 or the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler 75701 The family extends special thanks to Dr. Arielle Lee, Dr. Richard Anderson, and Hospice of East Texas.

George Reaves Murphey

July 28, 1930 - December 20, 2013