Lawrence E. Murphree

Lawrence Elbert Murphree was born May 16, 1934 in the home of his parents in Pickens, South Carolina. With the help of a family doctor his birth was the last in his family to occur in a home rather than a hospital. He was among the second generation of his family to attend Clemson University, which was then a military college; other generations would followed this tradition. In addition to attending classes, he was required to march in daily drills, be in his room by 7 pm and be up by 6 am. He forwever remained a life-long Tiger devotee and fan. Following graduation from Clemson, he served as a Naval Officer traveling often to California and the Far East. Following his service to his country, he took a job with the National Can Company as a Government Liaison in Washington DC, and it was there that he met his future wife Joan Rowe. He then began his career with the Eastman Kodak company as a regional sales administrator which placed him in South Florida for 15 years where he advanced his education by obtaining his MBA Degree at Nova University. He was later promoted to Kodak’s Atlanta region and ultimately where he later retired. He is survived by his two daughters Laura Murphree and Sara Clay and her husband, former State Senator and State GOP Chair, Chuck Clay, who had this to say about Lawrence, ” I have been blessed by having the greatest in laws one could ever hope for. Helpful and always available in tough times, I am forever in their debt. If you knew Mr. Murphree, you would always see his ready smile and quiet demeanor. Just as obvious was his profound love and pride in family. Whether his late soulmate Joan, daughters Laura and Sara, both practicing lawyers in Marietta, or his five grandchildren, Erin, Charlie, Lawrence Alexander, Jon Henry, and Jessie; Mr. Murphree was always ready to help and be there when needed. We all loved him dearly. On one final but interesting note, Mr. Murphree was one of the best read people I have ever known when it came to U.S. history and politics, particularly because I thought I was pretty good. Needless to say, these discussions occupied a lot of our free time and are cherished memories for me. You will remain a part of the hearts of your extended family forever. You have been re-united with Joan, and for that I am happy." Lawrence is also survived by his sister Alice Kelsey, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. During his last years, he was tenderly cared for by many care-givers and for this he and his family are forever grateful. Tish Feuerherm, an angel on Earth, first cared for Joan and then Lawrence, providing them both with a sense of dignity, a devotion of love, and a never ending attention to their medical needs. Words are inadequate to describe her dedication to both Joan and Lawrence. The true success of any man is measured by his ability to love and be loved with those he has touched in life. Lawrence Murphree was indeed a very successful man, and may he now find peace being with his God and his beloved wife. Visitation with the family will be held at Mayes-Ward Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 6th from 5:30-7:30. A private graveside service will be held at Cheatham Hill Memorial Park on Thursday, July 7th at 1:30 performed by the Rectory of St. James Episcopal Church where Lawrence was a member. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the Georgia Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association to assist in finding a cure to this insidious disease.

Lawrence E. Murphree

May 16, 1934 - July 3, 2016