Gary Joe Morphew

Gary "Joe" Morphew was born on April 1, 1953 in Nashville, Ark., the youngest of fourteen children, to Payton and Maudie (Whisenhunt) Morphew. At the age of 2, his family moved to Alexandria, Indiana. His mother passed away on January 27, 1964 when Joe was 9 years of age, and the family returned to south Arkansas two years later. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1971, Henderson State University in 1975 and the University of Arkansas Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law in 1978. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ellen (Cox) Morphew: his son, Jason Morphew and wife Lauren of Los Angeles, Calif.; his daughters, Amy Lewis Kelly and Greta Lewis of Little Rock, Ark.; and three grandchildren, Hannah Joellen Kelly of Little Rock, Ark., Matilda Morphew and Venice Morphew of Los Angeles, Calif.; and brothers and sisters, Virginia (Dick) Kuhn of Daphne, Ala., Robert (Wandavee) Morphew of Kokomo, Ind., Phyllis (Kevin) Alexander of Lizton, Ind., and Mike (Brenda) Morphew of Huntsville, Ala., and many loved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters and brothers: Louise Everett, T.A Morphew, Truett Morphew, Payton Morphew Jr., LeRoy Morphew, James "Buddy" Morphew, Sue Ellen Jester, Gloria June Morphew, and Rodger Morphew. Joe practiced law in the State of Arkansas for 35 years. He enjoyed the practice of law but his main passion in life was his family. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. Joe also had a passion for reading, and because of his love for Christ, he spent a lifetime of reading and studying the Bible. Joe was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 18th at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. Visitation at 1 p.m. and Service at 2:00pm, with private Scattering of Ashes on February 19th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, 1400 West Markham, Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Sign the online condolence book at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.