Sammie Ruth Murdock

In Loving Memory of

Sammie Ruth Barfield Murdock

1927 – 2025

Beloved Mother, Gran, Sister, Aunt, and friend to many, Sammie went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 21, 2025.

Sammie was born on November 26, 1927 at her home in the Red Bayou Community in New Boston, Texas. She was the third child, first daughter, of thirteen children born to Wilson and Susan Barfield.

Sammie was a faithful member of Red Bayou Methodist Church for many years serving wherever she was needed. She was graduate of New Boston High School and until several years ago could be found cheering on the mighty Lions at every opportunity.

Sammie began her remarkable career at Red River Credit Union in 1955, and was known as a trailblazer who paved the way for women at RRCU. She started as one of the first four employees, serving on the front-line above the RRAD blacksmith shop in Building 110. With a diverse skill set and unwavering dedication, Sammie was appointed the credit union's first loan officer. Over the years, Sammie's contributions led to her rise through the ranks, ultimately retiring as Vice President of Operations in 1993.

Even in retirement, Sammie continued to volunteer, joining the Supervisory Committee in 1994 and later elected to the Board of Directors in 1995. She faithfully served until her retirement on September 1, 2017 – marking an end to her incredible 62 years of service and dedication to RRCU.

Throughout her lifetime, Sammie remained steadfast in her belief in taking care of members was paramount. Her passion for the credit union movement inspired many generations of employees. Even in her final days, Sammie remained a beacon of inspiration and a champion for RRCU.

Sammie was a talented artist, winning many blue ribbons and best of show awards for her china painting at both the Four States Fair and the Texarkana Regional Art Center shows. Sammie and her sisters created many family treasures including quilts, needlework, and seasonal crafts, for all their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Sammie's favorite times found her with her sons, grandsons, and their families. She was always in the gym, in the stands, and on the field watching her greatest treasures in their various activities and celebrating their accomplishments. Family was such a joy to Sammie, and she was always thrilled to hear and see the latest stories and pictures.

Sammie and her siblings enjoyed many wonderful travels and adventures, all of which were precious to her. Sammie became an avid SMU fan with her brother John and they enjoyed yelling "Go Ponies!" in unison every Saturday in the fall.

Sammie was preceded in death, and awaited at the Gates of Heaven, by her beloved husband, Horace Murdock, her parents, brothers, sisters, their spouses, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Sammie leaves behind to cherish her legacy her two loving sons and their families: Horace Jr Murdock (Rhonda), and Rex Murdock (Robin); four grandsons, Mark Murdock, Brandon Murdock (Tiffany), Kasey Copeland (Tiffany) and Chint Murdock; and three great grandchildren, Sydney, Andie, and Tate. Sammie also leaves behind sisters Margie Youngblood (Johnny), Carol Smith and Donna Watson (Charles), brother Ronnie Barfield (Debbie), sister-in-law Ann Barfield, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends who will all greatly miss her.

A memorial service will be held at Tapp Methodist Church in New Boston, TX on Saturday, August 23rd at 3PM with Tim Graham officiating. Private burial will be held at Red Bayou Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to continue her credit union legacy to:

The RRCU Gives Foundation

PO Box 5909

Texarkana, TX 75505