Hugh D. Murphree

Capt. Hugh D. Murphree, 87, USN (Ret.), of Hendersonville, passed away on Tuesday, May 04, 2010 at Life Care Center of Hendersonville.
He was born October 6, 1922 in Troy, AL. He was a son of the late Joel and Minnie Murphree. Since his retirement, Capt. Murphree and his wife had resided in Key West, FL, Pinehurst, Raleigh and Hendersonville, NC.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1944 with the Class of 1945. He served in the Submarine Service during WWII, and his career included duty on several submarines, culminating in his command of Submarine Division 71 during 1964-1965. During the latter part of his naval career, he served as Chief of the Defense Communications Agency Operations Center in Arlington, VA and other defense communications assignments. Capt. Murphree’s final duty was Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Station, Key West, FL, from June 1972 until it was decommissioned on March 31, 1974. He retired from the Navy on July 1, 1974.
He is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Peggy Mayer Murphree; four children, Dyer Murphree, of Hendersonville; Troy Murphree, of San Diego, CA; Jo Naglich, of Raleigh and Sandee Schaefer, of Homer, GA; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two brothers, Thomas Murphree of North Carolina and Howard Murphree of South Carolina.
A memorial service is planned for a later date at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.