Ruby Murphree

1930 - 2025

Ruby Perryman Murphree died August 12th, 2025 at the Greenhouses in Tupelo, MS. She was born on June 11, 1930 in Gibson County, TN to William and Myrtle Perryman. Ruby graduated from Rutherford High School in Rutherford, TN as her class salutatorian and was a member of the women's basketball team. After graduating, she moved to Nashville, TN where she met Slayden Murphree. They were married 61 years at the time of his death on Aug. 14, 2011. While living in Nashville, Ruby worked for Southern Bell Telephone, the International Harvester District Office, and the Federal Reserve Bank. Slayden's job took them to Hopkinsville, KY where Ruby worked for Planters Bank & Trust Company. They moved to Tupelo, MS in 1970 and started Murphree Service Company. Ruby was an integral part and a key partner in the business. They also joined St. Luke United Methodist Church where she was active in many church activities: United Methodist Women, delivering Meals on Wheels, working with the Food Pantry, visiting shut-ins and other areas where her servant's heart led her. Additionally, the St. Luke Prayer Ministry Team was a very important ministry for both Ruby and Slayden.

Services will be at 11 AM, Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Rev. William Murphree, her grandson and Rev. Amber Lee Gray officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to service time Saturday at the church. Burial will follow at Lee Memorial Park. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.

Ruby is survived by one son, Michael Murphree (Lisa) of Tupelo, MS, and two daughters, Faye Murphree James of Gulfport, MS and Nyla Murphree Osborn (Rick) of Olive Branch, MS; as well as five grandchildren: Jason (Anna Leigh) Murphree of Corinth, MS, William Murphree of Rosenberg, TX, Robert (Liz) Osborn III of Hendersonville, TN, Rachel (Matthew) James Bellone of Pensacola, FL, and Sarah Beth (Devin) James Hodo of Gulfport, MS. She is survived by six great grandchildren: Wyatt, Declan and Coraline Grace Murphree of Corinth, MS, Lucy Sigrest of Pensacola, FL, and Noah and Wilder Hodo of Gulfport, MS; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Slayden Murphree; her parents; two sisters, June Cox and Joyce Brown; and three brothers, Guy Perryman, James Perryman, Charles Perryman as well as two very young brothers, ages 2 and 4; and her granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie Murphree. A special thanks goes to the caregivers at the Laney House at Traceway Manor for the special care provided to her the last six years. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Luke Food Pantry, P.O. Box 42, Tupelo, MS 38802. Condolences may be posted on Ruby's memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com