Smith Murphey IV

Smith Murphey IV, 88, passed away on December 16, 2025, in his home in Sumner, MS. Smith will be remembered as a man of service who gave tirelessly to his family, church, and community. He lived a full life of joy as a son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, lieutenant, scoutmaster, Rotarian, hunter, farmer, mayor, and church elder.
Smith was born on December 1, 1937, to the late Eva Bledsoe Murphey and Smith Murphey in Sumner. He spent most of his childhood in Sumner until he attended, like his father, The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN, graduating in 1955. Smith went on to earn a BA in business and economics from Davidson College in 1959, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. In 1965, Smith graduated with a MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
He was commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Security Agency, serving in Germany 1960-1963. Granted the highest security clearance in the armed services, he inspected cryptographic installations and made recommendations for increased security systems throughout Europe.
Following military service, Smith was employed as a systems engineer for IBM in Atlanta. There he met the love of his life, Sylvia Lillian Shields, who he proposed to within months of meeting. The two eventually returned to Sumner so Smith could tend to the family farm. For nearly 30 years, he managed Wildwood Farms growing cotton, soybeans, and wheat. After his retirement and up until his passing, Smith worked as a field representative for the U.S. Census Bureau. His unique combination of curiosity and persistence helped him close nearly every case.
Smith's community impact went far beyond his career. After earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1953, Smith later dedicated his time to the Boy Scouts of America where he served as a scoutmaster for Troop 27 for 42 years. He attended national and world jamborees and helped many young men achieve their Eagles, including his son, Smith, and two grandsons, Archer and Webb. For his service to BSA, Smith was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.
As a Paul Harris Fellow, Smith's dedication to the Rotary Club was likewise lifelong with 56 years of perfect attendance, often achieved by visiting clubs across the world whenever he traveled. He was active in organizing the Rotary youth exchange program, hosting students from Switzerland, Australia, Denmark and Germany in Sumner.
Smith served his community as an alderman and mayor of the town of Sumner and as a volunteer firefighter. He was an appointed representative on the Tallahatchie County Soil and Water Conservation Commission and a founding board member of the Emmett Till Memorial Commission. He also served as a trustee for The Webb School as well as elder and treasurer for the Sumner Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his parents, Smith is preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Bledsoe Murphey. Smith is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years Sylvia; his son Smith Murphey V and his wife Carole; his daughter Margaret Murphey Slattery and her husband Bob; six adored grandchildren Addison, Bobby, Archer, Webb, Devin, and Brooke; his sister-in-law Becky Murphey and nieces Missy and Beth; and many cousins.
Perhaps nothing could capture his love for the Mississippi Delta quite like sunrise in a duck blind or sunset in a deer stand. Hunting was his way to commune with nature and share great camaraderie with friends and family.
We are all saddened by the sudden passing of this icon in a small town, but we're grateful he left this world better than he found it. From birthdays to sporting events, from tournaments to graduations, Smith was a "man who showed up"-one you could always count on. In his later days, Smith spent his time with his beloved Sylvia watching hummingbirds on the patio, his weekly calls with his daughter Margaret, always ending with "love you more" and countless hours with his son Smith in a duck blind. Smith lived each day to the fullest and by the imperative of "Carpe Diem." Rest in Peace.
A celebration of life service, including military honors, will be held Monday, December 22 at the Sumner Presbyterian Church. Visitation with family begins at 1:00, followed by the service at 2:00. Meredith Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Sumner Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice.