Wayne Murphy

1935 - 2015

Wayne Eugene Murphy - SAVANNAH - Wayne Eugene Murphy was born in Atlanta, GA on June 24, 1935 and passed away December 24, 2015 at Spanish Oaks Hospice. He married the girl next door, Barbara Maxey on June 29, 1956. Wayne served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and active duty in the U.S. Army for two years, specializing in communications. He worked for Southern Bell and became a McDonald's Franchisee in October 1967. Wayne was always very community minded serving as President of the DeKalb Co. Jaycees, National Director, Commander of the Jaycee Rebel Corp, and JCI Senator. He also chaired two political campaigns in DeKalb County. The family moved to Statesboro, GA in 1973 to build the first McDonald's in the city. A supporter of Georgia Southern since 1973, he served on the selection committee that led to the selection of Erk Russell as the football program's first head coach. An active member of the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, he was affectionately known as Mr. Georgia Southern. He was named to the GSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He served on the Advisory Board of the GSU College of Business Administration from 1987-2011. He was honored as a member of the 1906 Society and the Marvin Pittman Society as a supporter of the GSU Foundation. The Murphy's moved to Savannah in 1980. He and his business partner since l967, Hugh Tracy were instrumental in founding the Ronald McDonald House in Savannah. Wayne continued his leadership by serving on the Board of Directors, attending national meetings, providing furnishings and celebrating the opening of the Family rooms at Candler and Memorial Hospitals. Wayne was the recipient of the coveted Ronald Award from McDonald's Corporation for outstanding community service. In addition, he served on the Board of the U.S. cooperative of McDonald's Owner/Operators known as the Operator's National Advertising (OPNAD) Fund and was a member of the McDonald's Corporation Political Action Committee. Wayne was a former member of Savannah Quarterback Club, St. Patrick Day Parade Committee, Board of Youth Futures Authority, Advisory Board Salvation Army, the Landing's Club and co-chair of Savannah's first Citizens against Crime Committee. As he battled four different types of cancer, he served on the American Cancer Society Board, the Georgia ACS Legislative Committee, and participated in many Relay for Life annual events. Wayne loved God and he loved people. He served as a greeter for Sunday and Wednesday night services at Skidaway Island Baptist Church. Wayne retired from McDonald's in December 1999 and continued to go to the office or the restaurants every day to visit customers, until he became too ill in December of 2013. Wayne very much loved his two sons and four grandsons, but especially his little angel the one granddaughter, Clare. Wayne is predeceased by his parents Rev. Lawrence and Nelle Jones Murphy, a brother, Captain Larron Bucky Murphy, MIA Vietnam. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Barbara Maxey Murphy, son Michael Wayne Mike Murphy (Marie Wright), son Richard Eugene Ricky Murphy (Natalie Thomas), grandsons Michael Wayne Murphy, Jr., Ashley Wright Murphy, Richard Devin Murphy, Samuel Larron Murphy and granddaughter Clarice Elizabeth Clare Murphy and two step grand sons, Stephen and Thomas. Sisters Sherrill Sherry Westbury (Phil) of Hartwell, GA, Susan Ward (Ron) of Dalton and brother Kenneth Murphy (Katrina) of Dalton, and several nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Skidaway Island Baptist Church at 11:00 am. Visitation and reception will be held in the church social hall following the service. Senior Pastor, Dr. James Staubes will officiate the service. A private burial will be held in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery. The family suggests donations be made to The Ronald McDonald House, 4710 Waters Ave. Savannah, GA 31404, or Skidaway Island Baptist Church, 2 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411. Savannah Morning News December 28, 2015 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries.