Paul W. Murphey

Paul Murphey Obituary

Name: Visitation for Paul W. Murphey
Start: 2022-11-04T14:30:00.000Z
Location: Evergreen Presbyterian Church

Paul W. Murphey

Paul W. Murphey, age 90, died peacefully at his home in Dothan on October 21, 2022. He moved to Dothan in September 2018 to be near his daughter and her family.

Paul was born in Augusta, GA. After completing high school in Augusta, he graduated from Texas Christian University (BA). He also held degrees from Vanderbilt University (MDiv and PhD), University of Kentucky (MSLS) and City University of Seattle (MBA). Paul retired from a career as Navy Chaplain highlighted by years of service as Chief Chaplain on the USS Midway. Prior to his Navy career he was a college professor at Eureka College, Eureka, IL, and then at Transylvania University, Lexington, KY. He also taught at colleges in Washington State. He was an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

During his final years in Dothan, Paul took an active interest in the local community. He was a member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church, and he enjoyed volunteering for Wiregrass 211. The greatest reward of moving to Dothan for Paul was meeting and eventually marrying Mary Coleman, whom he cherished.

Paul is survived by his wife Mary; his sister, Switzer Toney of Loganville, GA; and four children: Paul Andrew (Deb) of St. Louis, Frank Warren (Candace) of Jekyll Island, GA, John Vinson Evans (Lynn) of Singapore, and Marilyn Amelia Stansell (Terry) of Dothan, AL; he has seven grandchildren: Katherine Payne (Taylor), Elizabeth Abbott (Royce), Virginia Gray (Kyle), Jackson Stansell, Bennett Stansell, Shoichi Murphey and Kazuyuki Murphey; his four great-grandchildren: Bailey Payne, Henry Payne, Charles Gray, and June Gray.

A memorial service will be held at Evergreen Presbyterian Church on November 4, 2022, at 11:00am, with visitation at 9:30am.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dothan Eagle on Oct. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Murphey

7 Entries

Andrew Maltz Ph.D.

November 8, 2022

I met Dr. Murphy in 1968. I had come to Transy as a Freshman, fresh out of the High School that I attended in Westport, Connecticut. I was attending the summer school program prior to the beginning of the freshman year. There were no incoming Freshman on campus at that time and there were very few upperclassman. Essentially, I was alone. Coming from New York City, where I spent a significant amount time and living in the suburbs of the City I was ill prepared when I entered what appeared to me to be a sleepy southern town.
When I saw that Dr. Murphy had died and I saw his face in the Transy announcement, I felt compelled to share my first experience meeting him. I met him at the time of registration that summer day and remarking to him how alone I felt and, in many ways, overwhelmed. I do not recall what he had said at the time but I remember his face that showed a deep sensitivity and compassionate warmth that for a single and very important moment made me feel that I was not totally lost. The expression on his face in the picture that accompanied the Transy announcement brought back the same feeling that I had when I looked at him during registration, resulting in my reliving the calm that I felt after I spoke of my anxiety to Dr. Murphy on that day in June 1968.
I also recalled the times that he would hold some of his classes at his home in Gratz Park. I can remember his home and the warmth of the setting that clearly reflected what he seemed to carry with him at all times.
I will always hold of fondness for the spirit of his kindness even when it was just in the way of the expression in his face that remains fixed in my memory.
People never die as long as we can remember and I will always remember Dr. Murphy.

Ken Jaeger

November 6, 2022

I first met Chaplain Murphey in 1980 while in the precommissioning unit of the Peleliu LHA 5 in Pascagoula, Ms. He was one of the finest chaplains l had served with during my navy career. Each night while at sea, his nightly prayers over the ship's public address system gave comfort and encouragement to the crew with that calm and soothing voice of his. I was blessed to visit him from time to time during our retirement. I will always cherish the friendship we had. I enjoyed reading his thought provoking books he has written. His book about his time on the Peleliu brought back many memories.

Stephanie Gardner

November 5, 2022

Memories of Paul´s son Paul from Southern Jr High in Lexington KY bring smiles to me. Not only was son Paul a fun early teen, but his dad Paul was always supportive. Sad to lose a dad but good to know his life was full.

Carol Johnson

November 4, 2022

Paul Murphey will always be known to me as my Uncle Jimmie. As my husband Ed and I celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary this weekend, we will always cherish Uncle Jimmie's participation in our ceremony. Though many miles separated us and visits were few, I will always look back fondly on the memories made. My love and prayers to my family.

Dexter Meyer

November 2, 2022

Paul was one of the finest men I have ever met- man of dee faith and principal. As a student at Transylvania, I got to know Dr Murphy well. He was. Terrific teacher whose door was always open and who relished opportunities to interact with students. I was delighted to be able to reconnect with him on Facebook and share my appreciation for his friendship and scholarship!

Robert Scott Hogg

November 2, 2022

I remember you, Sir. You taught me theology from all over the World. It was well rounded & taught with honesty. Thank you for that, Dr. Murphy. I still have that blue textbook & still refer to it from time to time. Transylvania taught me that.
Thank you! RIP
Robert Scott Hogg, Class of 1971

Vi Jone

October 27, 2022

Paul and Mary lived across the street from me. He was always courteous and kind to me. Mary is still a good neighbor. My prayers are for Mary and all the family.

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