Don P. Murphy, Jr.

Don P. Murphy Jr., age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. He was born in Little Rock and grew up in Texarkana, AR before moving back to Little Rock in 1958. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Kathryn "Dolly" Murphy and a brother, Dan Murphy. Don attended The University of the South Sewanee, Tenn. and graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in journalism. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He served two years in the U.S. Army stationed in Paris, France. Don was editor of publications for the Arkansas Education Association for 29 years. Active in civic and business organizations, he was a former president of the Forest Heights Lions Club, the Arkansas Chapter of International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), the State Education Editors (SEE) organization of the National Education Association, and the Little Rock Alumni chapter of Kappa Sigma. He is a former vestryman at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where he taught Sunday school two years, volunteered seven years on the Trinity team at Stewpot, and performed a variety of volunteer services for the church. He was also a former board member of the Gaines House and the Little Rock Racquet Club. He played golf in his early years and later became an avid tennis player and faithful participant in the water aerobics class at the Racquet Club. Following his retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling, taking several cruises and visiting many parts of the world. Don is survived by Beverley Robinson Murphy, his wife of 53 years, and three daughters: Kathryn Ann "KAM" Murphy, Allyson Kozich (Bob), Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Susan Muller (Jim), Little Rock. He leaves four grandchildren, Ashley and R.J. Kozich and Amanda and Meredith Muller. He is also survived by a brother, Dick Murphy (Dena), Sewanee, Georgia and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Diabetes Association, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Humane Society or a favorite charity. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 501-661-9111. Online guestbook is available: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.