Jerry Bruce Murphree

Jerry Bruce Murphree the son of Clarence Murphree and Kate Marr Murphree was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas on November 28, 1943 and passed away at his home in Greers Ferry, Arkansas on April 2, 2013 at the age of 69 years. Bruce was a lifetime resident of Greers Ferry. He was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church and a 32 Mason of the Sam Williams Lodge. He was a telephone lineman and cable splicer with South Western Bell and AT&T. He was a farmer, volunteer fireman for the Greers Ferry Fire Department for 33 years. He was a First responder and ambulance driver. Bruce was well respected and he always took time to help other people. Bruce was so many things to so many people. Whether transporting people where they needed to go, lending his time, his possessions or his wisdom; he did anything he could to help others. One person in particular was his niece Becky. When her parents died and her home destroyed, Bruce accepted the responsibilities that came with raising a teenage without question, without second thought, and without her asking. He shouldered this responsibility with as much effort and love he could give. He became a constant presence for her in her greatest time of need and continued to support her, always doing his best to teach her about life. Together they discovered they shared far more similar qualities than different ones. Their shared love for a place they call home, combined with a deep sentimental attachment to the memories and legacy of their family, always provided a connection that could not be broken. He lived his life on his terms with honor combined with a stubbornness passed down to him by the family he held so dear. Simply put he was a man who faced so many changes and responsibilities with strength, courage and love. Those who knew him, or were helped by him, will always remember Bruce Murphree as one of a kind and a member of an old school who lived to help others. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Kate Murphree, a brother Ted Murphree and niece Pam (Murphree) Frazier. He is survived by his wife Tena Verser Murphree, a brother Keith Murphree and wife Evelyn (Majors) of Coldwater, Mississippi, two nieces Becky Murphree and Cindy Williams and husband Johnny and nephew Michael C. Murphree. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 5 p.m. at Shiloh Crossroads Church and funeral services will be at the church on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 2 p.m. by Rev. Jerry Cothren. Pallbearers are Corbit Smith, Jerry Lee, Roger Hjelden, Ronnie McKee, Carroll Rhoades and Ernie Hunt. Arrangements by Family Funeral Service of Heber Springs. 501 362-2088 www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.