Robert Murff Obituary

Robert "Bob" Murff Dr. Robert "Bob" Murff died as a result of complications from diabetes at his home in Decatur, Mississippi. A well-known career counselor in Austin for many years, Bob had moved to Decatur in 2005 to be with daughter Lynn and his grandchildren as they grew up. Despite suffering a stroke about 15 years ago, Bob still pursued his greatest interest - being an engaging friend to a diverse bunch of folks in Austin. He could be counted on when you needed an expert listener, counselor, cheerer, or a big, reassuring hug. Bob, 73, grew up in Calhoun City, a small town in north-central Mississippi. Following his wide-ranging interests, he earned degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics before finding his passion in career counseling. He earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology at UT, where he founded and served as first Director of its Career Exploration Center. There, he helped hundreds of students answer the Big Question, "What do I really want to do?" For his lasting contribution to campus career services, the university established the Robert Murff Excellence Award in 1999 to recognize outstanding support of career services at the Austin campus. Bob is survived by his two children, Lynn (& Shaun) Selman of Decatur, and Martin Murff of Houston, and five grandchildren (his heart's delight): Kiersten, Keenan and Kent Selman, & Abbie and Tim Murff. Bob was surprised by a recent family gathering where they celebrated his birthday and Father's Day. Photos are posted on Martin's Facebook page. He is also survived by two brothers, Malcolm "Mac" (& Dot) Murff of San Antonio and Randall (& Blanche) Murff of North Carolina. We are left with memories of a good man - his infectious grin and chuckle; wicked sense of humor; boundless interests and intellect; a deep love of family, friends and chocolate chip cookies and a determination to help others find their way in life. Services for Dr. Robert Carter Murff will be at 11:00 on July 17th at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church, Decatur, MS. Arrangements are by Milling Funeral Home, Union, MS.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jul. 16, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Murff

7 Entries

Lynne Milburn

July 22, 2013

I will forever be grateful to Bob for starting the Career Center at UT because it ended up being my home for 26 years. When I became the Director, he was an excellent mentor about how to traverse the bureaucratic waters that are UT. Over the years we would meet for lunch and I was amazed at the creative ideas he had to make career counseling a better and more fun process.
I am saddened to know such a kind spirit has left this earth but grateful that he crossed my path. I am a better person for knowing Bob Murff.
I also want to thank his family for sharing him with us and send my condolences.
With sympathy,

Mike Murff

July 20, 2013

Thoughts Following His Memorial Service

Seven years ago, Bob left his beloved Austin for Decatur, Mississippi, to be with his daughter Lynn and a loving part of her children's lives. Although Decatur is a truly tiny place, it has a lively Baptist church where Lynn's husband, Shaun Selman, is Youth Director.
Bob's Austin friends and family understood his need to live near at least some of his grandchildren, but we were concerned about the limitations of such a tiny place. No IHOP, Half-Price Books, big Library, etc. (The alternative to Lynn's Decatur was Martin's family in Houston – maybe not such a difficult choice.) The deciding factor was that Kiersten, his first grandchild, was Lynn's, so there he went.
Knowing Bob, we shouldn't have been concerned. The commentary of his memorial service made it clear: Bob had thoroughly integrated into the fabric of his new community with love, humor, wit, and chocolate chip cookies. It seems he made the usual Bob Introduction to practically everyone in town,”Hi, I'm Bob Murff, what's your name?” - Accompanied by that disarming smile we know so well. The two most common memories of Bob were, “He knows more people than anyone else in town,” and “He brings his fantastic, homemade chocolate chip cookies to everything. I'll sure miss him - and his cookies!”
Over the last seven years, I've missed Bob, as I'm sure he missed his Austin friends and resources. I'm equally sure he created a loving home for himself in Decatur, and he, his grandchildren and the community were all the better for it. A final life chapter in a community of love and grandchildren and chocolate chip cookies is hard to beat, no matter where.

Heather Becker

July 17, 2013

Bob gave me my first job after graduate school, and I learned so much from him.

Murray Scher

July 17, 2013

Although Bob and I have not been in touch for many years we were once very dear and close friends and I always treasured his being in my life. We spent a great deal of time together in class, with each other's family, eating chocolate covered doughnuts, rooming together at conferences, and just hanging out. I loved his kindness, gentleness, warmth, and depth. I send my condolences to all those privileged to know and love him.

Jo Ann Powell

July 17, 2013

Bob for a number of years ran the UT Career Center in Austin. He had many friends here.

Marty Murff

July 17, 2013

My Mother use to tell me one of my first words was "Bob." i will miss you!

Denise Murff

July 16, 2013

You were deeply loved, Bob. I am so glad you were my babies' Granddaddy!

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