Glenn Murphy, Jr

Glenn Murphy, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church Chapel, 5011 Jackson Street, Alexandria, LA at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, with Rev. Todd Strain officiating. Visitation will be held at Calvary Chapel from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery, 623 US-80, Monroe, LA.

Glenn was born November 2, 1946, to Glenn Murphy, Sr. and Elizabeth Prince Murphy. He grew up in his beloved Bastrop, LA, and graduated from Bastrop High School where he was a star football player for the Rams. Glenn was the first member of his family to attend college when Coach Joe Aillet offered him a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University. During his years as a Louisiana Tech Bulldog, Glenn forged life-long friendships both on and off the field while majoring in Physical Education, minoring in English, and earning special recognition as an All Gulf States Conference Offensive Lineman as a Senior. He reveled in the fact that he had the privilege to block for future Hall of Fame quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.

Just before he graduated, Glenn met the love of his life, Catherine "Kitty" Vaughan, at a Louisiana Tech basketball game. They were married a year later on March 21, 1970.

Glenn began his coaching career in the fall of 1969 as a member of the first coaching staff at Alexandria Senior High (ASH). Three years later, he coached at Cedar Creek High School in Ruston, LA, for two years while he completed his Masters Degree at Louisiana Tech. He then became head coach at Briarfield Academy in Lake Providence, LA, for two years before returning to ASH as an assistant coach from 1976-1979. Glenn then hung up the whistle and started his career in the life insurance business with Franklin Life Insurance Company for eight years. In1989 he went to work for Modern Woodman of America where he thrived first as a District Manger and later as an Agency Manager. His success over the next 20 years allowed Glenn and Kitty to travel the world on numerous award trips. Throughout his career Glenn made a huge impact on many young people as a coach and teacher as well as numerous colleagues in his insurance career. He never met a stranger. Every person in the world was, to him, just a friend he had not met yet.

Glenn retired in 2011 and loved "everyday being Saturday." Throughout retirement he enjoyed spending daily Bible reading and crossword puzzle time in his comfy chair; traveling with friends and family to a wide variety of destinations including Israel and Alaska; grilling in his backyard; watching his grandchildren play ball, cheer, and dance; attending Louisiana Tech football games from his 50 yard line perch; sharing breakfast wisdom at Brocatos; and playing many highly competitive Rook card games with his great group of friends.

Glenn was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church for 37 years where he served as a Deacon, attended the Quest, and directed The All Welcome Life Group. He will be remembered for his faith in Christ, love and dedication to his family, generosity, sense of humor, and quick wit. All who encountered Glenn immediately recognized him as a walking advertisement for Louisiana Tech University. He proudly wore the Louisiana Tech logo from head to toe.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kitty; son, Mark Murphy (Christy); and daughter, Beth Mahaffey (Mark). He will always be known affectionately as "Pop" to his 7 grandchildren: Karlie Rowley, Nathan Rowley, McKenzie Murphy, Madison Murphy, Charlie Mahaffey, Max Mahaffey, and Jack Mahaffey. He is also survived by his sister in law and brother in law, Glen and Mary Richardson and three nieces: Rebecca Richardson, Angie Richardson, and Julie Ramsey (Dobson) as well as numerous special cousins.

The family extends deep gratitude to Dr. Scott Boniol and his staff at Christus Cancer Treatment Center in Shreveport and to the staff at Regency House and Guardian Hospice Care for their care and compassion. We also recognize his fabulous sitters, Anita Jenkins, Bobbie King, and Donna Russ for spending the last month dedicated to his care and comfort.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Steve Boniol, Richard Golmon, Mark Guerriero, Leroy Husser, Mike Peevy, and Monroe Thompson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Calvary Baptist Church Missions or Calvary Baptist Church Senior Ministry.