Patrick Michael Murphy

Patrick Michael, "Mike" Murphy, age 62, well-known and respected banker, passed away in West Memphis, Arkansas, April 3, 2012. Mr. Murphy, born June 15, 1949, was the oldest son of four boys born to J.W. and Carrie Lou Murphy of Gould, Arkansas. Mike was 16 years old when he graduated from Gould High School in 1966 and graduated cum laude from Arkansas A & M College in 1970. Murphy began his forty-year banking career as an assistant cashier at First State Bank of Gould, Arkansas, in 1970. He, then, was employed by First Federal Savings from 1972-1983, and lived in Dumas, Arkansas. In 1983, Mike and his family moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was Senior Vice President for First South for five years. Murphy was hired by Fidelity National Bank of West Memphis as President in 1988. After 22 years at the helm of Fidelity National Bank, Murphy retired as President, CEO, and Chairman but remained as a director of the bank. Murphy is survived by three children, Melinda Leigh Smith (husband Greg) of Fayetteville, Ark., Patrick Michael Murphy, Jr. of Lantana, Fla. and Cecelia Catherine Murphy of Little Rock, Ark. He is also survived by his mother Carrie Lou Murphy, brothers, Rick Murphy of Memphis, TN, Randy Murphy of Little Rock, Ark. and Mark Murphy and wife Sonya of Little Rock. Uncle Mike will be missed by his nieces and nephews; Erin, Mollie, Kyle, Meagan, Adam, Mallory, Michaella and Steven. Mike was preceded in death by his father, J.W. Murphy and nephews Ryan and Taylor. Supportive of local businesses and education, and wanting to share his expertise, Murphy was pleased to have served two terms as President of the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce. He was also a strong advocate of the Mid-South Community College Foundation, serving four terms as Chairman. He was honored by being named Chairman Emeritus. As a member of First United Methodist Church of West Memphis, Murphy served on the Board of Trustees as well as the Finance and Building Committee. He was honored as the West Memphis Citizen of the Year as well as Dumas (AR) Man of the Year. Murphy was heavily involved in Arkansas and Mid-South Banking. He was a two term chairman of the Barret School of Banking. He served as chairman of the Arkansas Government Relations Committee of the American Bankers Association, The Arkansas Bankers Association and the Arkansas Community Bankers elected him to their respective Board of Directors, reflection his skill and knowledge as a banker. In addition to being a Razorback football fanatic, he worshipped America's favorite pastime, baseball, particularly the New York Yankees. He began collecting Yankee memorabilia and was fortunate to attend baseball spring training camps. Along with friends, Mike attended the final game played in the old Yankee Stadium. The family will welcome visitors at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home on Thursday, April 5, 2012 from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial celebration of Mike Murphy's life will be held at First United Methodist Church in West Memphis, Ark. at 11 a.m., April 6, 2012, with burial following at 4 p.m. at Dark Corner Cemetery near Gould, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mid-South Community College, First United Methodist Church of West Memphis, First United Methodist Church of Dumas, Arkansas, or the charity of your choice.