Ralph Lee Murchison

PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE AND TIME DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER:

Ralph L. Murchison died on 1/25/2026 from natural causes, namely, his heart stopped beating for one reason or another. His was a life, like many others, of trial and error – probably a bit more often error than trial. In his stated opinion, let it be said that he never could quite maintain moving in high gear, but did reasonably well in second, with an occasional downshift into low for survival's sake.

Ralph was born on 31 July 1932, near a perfect time for enjoying a boy's childhood, in Hopkinsville KY, being able to enjoy small town life as well as having walking access to the local river, woods, downtown, and his beloved railroad and its three mostly-abandoned trestles over said river – and ideal setting for any young boy with a youth's imagination.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garcia (Gus) and Beulah Murchison, both western Kentuckians; by his sister, Elizabeth Ann Murchison Pettit; and by his longsuffering and loving wife of 60+ years Sarah Ann Baxter Murchison. Ralph is survived by his children: Lynn Lyon, Lee Lankford, Leslie Umphrey, and Dan Murchison. Survivors also include his grandchildren Krista Lynn McLean, Michael Brandon Lankford; Bradley Andrew Russell; Daniel James Murchison II; David Justice Lankford; Bradley Lee Murchison; L/Cpl. Caleb Lee Lyon, USMC; Sarah Louise Callaway; and Daniel Edward Lyon. Surviving great-grandchildren include Molly Ann McLean; Melanie Breann Callaway; Doyle James Murchison; Reynolds Baxter McLean; William Hudson Lankford; Sidney Jewel Lankford; Mary Bennett McLean; Hannah Rose Peters; Sydney Sky Peters; Justice James Lankford; Tucker Lee Murchison; Lucas Baxter Lyon; Savannah Song Lankford; Blakely Ellen Lyon; and Eleanor Anne Lyon.

Ralph's first love, though quite imperfect, is God Almighty, whom he tried, also imperfectly, to serve throughout his lifetime. His second love was for his family, feeling that "there's not a throw-away in the whole bunch." He loved them all dearly and hopes that they feel it so.

His third love was his host of friends, to whom he owes more than could ever be repaid, for their contribution to his ability to appreciate and enjoy life itself. Their love, patience, and constancy were as true as undeserved. God bless them all.

The sum of Ralph's life is found in both God's word and man's. If each young person, boy or girl, can adhere to the wisdom found in Rudyard Kipling's poem "If," in Psalm 1, and in Psalm 139, failure in life will be well-nigh impossible. His prayer is that each one who reads this will be a better person than he was.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Ralph will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel, Snellville, GA. Burial will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Tucker, GA. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12pm until time of service at the funeral home.

For those who would make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers the family asks that you please consider a memorial donation to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 in memory of Ralph L. Murchison.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, A Heritage Company, 3705 Highway 78 West, Snellville, GA 30039 (770-979-3200) has been entrusted with the arrangements.