Funeral program for Rev. Eugene J. Murphy, Jr.

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June 2, 1924 - March 9, 2013
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New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
Manasas, GA
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Pastor Freddie Hodge, Officiating
Rev. Eugene Joseph Murphy was born June 2, 1924 to the late
Eugene Buddy and Beulah Smith Murphy. He departed this life
on March 9,2013 at Evans Memorial Hospital after a long illness,
surrounded by many family and friends. He is also preceded in
death by two brothers, Mr. Artis Murphy and Mr. Johnel Butler.
He was a life-long member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist
Church where he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a very
early age. He was an active member and served in various
capacities of the church until his health failed. As a member
he served as Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent,
Deacon and encourager for many years. Even with failing
health he continued to encourage many to attend and stay in
Sunday school. Rev. Murphy was called into the Ministry in
1975. He was a life-time member of the St. Joseph Masonic
lodge #76 and a founding member of the Gladiator Club.
He was employed by The Claxton Poultry Company and Georgia
Pacific for many years. He was known as Mr. Fix It around the
neighborhood because of his love of tinkering in the yard. He
was also considered an adopted father to many children in his
neighborhood where he encouraged and carried many to Sunday
school. He graduated from Georgia Baptist College (Macon,
GA) where he met and married the late Mrs. Josephine Parks
Martin Murphy and his current wife Mrs. Bertha Jones Murphy.
In addition to his wife Mrs. Bertha Jones Murphy, he
is survived by four daughters, Ernestine M. Robbins,
H. Beautine Murphy of Daisy, GA; Celestine E. West (Gerald),
and Rosa Phylistine Murphy of Savannah, GA; two sons
Eugene J. Murphy, III of Claxton, GA, and James T. Murphy
(Gussie) of Savannah, GA; two adopted daughters, Aretta McNeil
(David) and Lillie Kate Mae Smith of Irvington, NJ; two step
daughters Rossie Wiggins and Beatrice Payne of Soperton, GAand
two stepsons Dwight Jones of Claxton, GA and Thurgood Jones
(Rae) of Atlanta, GA; a devoted cousin John Smith of Irvington,
NJ, twenty-two grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and a
host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.
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I decided long ago my true home was in the clouds
Where I will reside everlastingly at Jesus side.
Many flowers I cultivated in my day,
Faithfully dropping petals along the way.
I demonstrated that it was better to pray
Than to lean on your own understanding and sway.
Weep for me if you must, my loves
But remember my soul is joyfully set above.
The race was long, but the finish sweet;
Keep the peace until again we meet.
-Hannah B. Murphy 13
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What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.
Oidel of SoJUmn
Processional
Selection...........New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Choir
Scripture
Old Testament
New Testament
Invocation...................................Rev. Freddie Hodge
Selection.............New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Choir
As I Knew Him
As a Church Member......................Jeannette Lewis
As a Neighbor.............................Jerry Williams
As a Uncle/ Gladiator Member............Samuel Murphy
A Tribute to My Grandfather.....LaToya Atkins, Cydney Ahiberg,
& Miahtay Murphy
Duet............................Beatrice Payne & Rossie Wiggins
Resolutions................New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
..............................St. Josephs Lodge #76
Obituary.......................................Gussie Murphy
Acknowledgements....................Harpers Funeral Home Staff
Favorite Hymn
What a Friend We Have in Jesus...........Choir & Congregation
Eulogy.....................................Rev. Freddie Hodge
Viewing
Recessional
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Grandsons;
Joshua Murphy James Murphy, II
Shawn Robbins Aaron McClellan
The family of Rev. Eugene Murphy would like express their
gratitude to everyone who extended prayer, phone calls, visits,
and other acts of kindness during our moments of sorrow.
Special thanks to Dr. McVay, Evans Memorial Hospital,
Southern Care Hospice of Vidalia, GA, Spanish Oaks Hospice
of Claxon, Ga., Caretaker Patrice Bowens and grandson
Jeremy M. Boggs for their dedication and assistance ia the
Gladiator Club
Oxendine Drive
Claxton, GA
Funeral Arrangements
Harpers Funeral Home
125 North Broad Street
Claxon, GA 30417
John Atkins
Mario Lanier
Jeremy Boggs
Dante Murphy
Nephews
care of Rev. Murphy.
0^nMmenC
Eureka Cemetary