0lcmeqoUuf Odehatim of 0lev: June 2, 1924 - March 9, 2013 "0Ceep. th& peaeA." 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. 0(cefi the 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 '\\\ ^hat ffL ^iimd ^lave ^ri 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 d^allbcaUU 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