John Alvin Murphey

JOHN ALVIN "PAT" MURPHEY JR., 81, of North Little Rock, passed away Dec. 6, 2012. Pat was born to John and Lenore Murphey on Aug. 6, 1931 in Oklahoma City, Okla. He spent many of his childhood years in Rockport, Texas, where he developed a love of fishing and the Texas Coast. He joined the Navy in 1949 and was a veteran of the Korean War. After obtaining his master's degree from the University of Texas, Pat continued his career as a professional librarian in Dallas, Texas and then in 1981 as the State Librarian of Arkansas. Pat collected rare books, loved music, and had a knack for story-telling. His favorite pastimes were fishing, playing cards, and beating his opponents at chess. He attended church with his wife and family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Pat is survived by his wife, Margo; his three sons, Dennis (Dana) Vajgert of Round Rock, Texas, Shawn (Deanne) Murphey of Cabot, Ark., and Michael of Castle Rock, Colo.; and by his five daughters, Linda (Chess) Stubblefield of Austin, Texas, Laura (Mark) Shaw of Austin, Texas, Patti (Kevin) Pyfer of Castle Rock, Colo., Kelli (Chris) Holden of Granger, Ind. and Erin Martinez of North Little Rock. Other survivors include his 20 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 from 6:30-8 p.m. and a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Both services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 905 Kierre Dr. in North Little Rock. To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.