Joe Alfred Murdock

Joe Alfred Murdock, 72, of Malvern, Arkansas, transitioned from his earthly body to his spiritual one on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Baptist Health Medical Center-Hot Spring County. Joe was born on November 19, 1951, in Dallas County, Arkansas, to Gallie and Emma Lee (Craig) Murdock. He gave his life to Christ at an early age and considered Bethel African Methodist Church his church home.
Joe received his early education from Tuggle Elementary and Wilson High School but obtained his GED from Ouachita Vocational and Technical School before enlisting in the United States Army. He attended basic training at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk), Louisiana, and was medically discharged. He initially worked for the Arkansas Highway Department before being hired as a Die Caster for Hoover Ball and Bearing, later known as Precision Industries. While working full-time, he attended night classes at Southern Technical College of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he earned his Associate's Degree as a Medical Assistant.
Joe spent several formative years in Chicago, IL, where he adopted the stage name "Chicago Joe." Upon returning to Malvern, he married Phyllis (Booth) Mendenhall, and two children were born from this union.
Retiring from Precision Industries, Joe intermittently returned to work for Mitchell Grocery Store, First Step, and South Central Arkansas Transport.
Known as Mr. Joe, Uncle Joe, Papa Joe, and "Joe Clark," he was considered the neighborhood dad to many children in "New Addition." He was known for performing magic tricks, riding his bike backward, telling "Dad" jokes, and giving impromptu concerts for children.
Joe's God-given talent as a lead guitarist and lyricist was highly regarded, and he was a member of several bands over the past five decades. The Blue Velvets, one of these bands, became the first black band to host a program on radio station KBOK in Malvern. He shared the stage with artists like Betty Swan, Johnny Taylor, Loyd Fulsome, and Candi Staton. He also held auditions with Al Bell of Stax Records. Over many decades, he wowed audiences with his musicality at venues such as "The Block," "The Woods," P.J.s, and Nita's Penthouse in Pine Bluff, the Dragon's Lounge in North Little Rock, and the National Baptist Building in Hot Springs, among others. Recently, he performed as "Chicago Joe, the One-Man Band," entertaining guests at several restaurants in Hot Springs, AR and was the Chief Executive Officer, and Founder of Gallie Records, his record label named after his father.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Gallie and Emma (Craig) Murdock; brothers Curtis Murdock, Sr., and David Murdock, Sr.; sister Dorothy Jean Brown; sister-in-law Virginia Murdock; and brother-in-law Tommy Brown. Those left to cherish his memories are his daughter, Dr. Arnetha La'Tres (Murdock) Brooks (Henry the 4th); son Markus Tremaine Murdock; brothers Louis Murdock and Willie (Joyce) Matlock; sister Daisy Marie Cannon; sisters-in-law Carol Murdock and Birda Murdock; six grandchildren: Ehryn, Henry V, Marston, Mya, Myron, and Marlan; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
May Time Soften Your Pain
~UNK
In times of darkness, love sees
In times of silence, love hears...
In times of doubt, love hopes
In times of sorrow, love heals...
And in all times, love remembers.
May time soften the pain
Until all that remains
Is the warmth of the memories
And the love.
Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors
" The Epitome of Service "