Joshua "Bubba" Murrell

New Iberia –The angel choir must have needed someone to mix sound, as Joshua "Bubba" Murrell, 69, left this earth on Saturday, December 9, 2023, to return to the Lord who gave him immense musical talents.

A seeker who investigated all forms of the divine, Bubba will be remembered at a memorial Eucharist on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 303 West Main Street, in New Iberia, at 3:00 pm. Visitation is in the church from 1:00 pm until time of service. The Very Rev. Ann Brown Etheredge, Rector of Epiphany, will officiate, along with The Rev. Matt Woollett.

Born on October 25, 1954, in New Iberia, LA, Bubba was born into a family with music embedded in its DNA and made the most of those gifts throughout his life. He was an electronics wizard and multi-talented musician whose contagious enthusiasm and love for the world of sound created a lasting catalogue of artistry.

Bubba could play many instruments with skill and played everything with passion. He was an amazing songwriter, producer, and recording engineer. He loved collaborating with other artists to make the most of the gifts they had. As he was a member of both groups, he arranged, performed on and produced Blue Merlot’s self titled CD, as well as B & B on the Rock’s Women at the Well CD. He garnered praise from artists and musical technicians industry wide, receiving a Grammy for producing and engineering Terrence Simien’s Live! Worldwide CD. Bubba made it all look easy, even when the planning was incredibly sophisticated. Always in touch with his inner child, Bubba “played” when he played—all for the sheer joy of it.

Those who knew Bubba best knew he was a true renaissance man—good at most everything he tried and willing to tinker with almost anything. From complicated recording consoles to antique church organs, he could diagnose the equipment’s problem, fix it, and ensure it would never happen again, often by reengineering the whole darn thing. Fearless in his experimentation, Bubba became a Jack of all trades—and master of all. Bubba was always willing to help a friend in need; the problem was everyone needed him, and he’d never say “no”.

Bubba is survived by two sisters, Kim Shaw (and her husband, Douglas), and Joan Musemeche; and numerous nieces and nephews and extraordinary friends who were like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Joffre and Earline Babin Murrell; infant sister, Catherine Murrell; and nephew, Andrew Shaw.

None of us is ready to see Bubba go, but we are awfully glad to have known him. He was as amiable and generous a soul as one could meet, freely giving of the best parts of himself. It is with great love that we entrust him to God’s care. We can’t wait to see the event Bubba and the Lord are planning. Whatever it is, it’s going to be BIG.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 303 West Main St., New Iberia, LA 70560 or Solomon House, 520 Center St., New Iberia, LA 70560.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).