Mr. John W. Murphy, age 80 of Hope, Arkansas passed away, Wednesday, April 21, 2016 in Texarkana.  Mr. Murphy was born August 26, 1935 in Washington, Arkansas to Earl Lafayette and Nethia Anne Pruitt Murphy. He was a self-employed poultry farmer and cattle rancher and a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jolly McBay Murphy, daughter; Alicia Danielle Murphy, sisters; Virginia Lively and Wanda Murphy.

Mr. Murphy began his farming career in 1964 by purchasing eight registered Angus heifers, then in 1966 he began his poultry farm by building his own houses. He married the love of his life and best friend, Jolly McBay on March 29, 1957, was a loving and devoted husband.  He was truly devoted and loving, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, to all his family, with his caring and loving ways. He was a field technician for Corn Belt Hatcheries, he also owned his poultry litter and shaving service for almost 40 years, before retiring to full time cattle farming.  Mr. John served in the Arkansas National Guard during the Little Rock de-segregation of 1957, having personally escorted one the student's himself.

Survivors include; son, Greg Murphy of Hope, three daughters; Cindy Kidd, husband, Dennis of Spring Hill, Lori Moreau, husband, Paul of Monroe, Louisiana, and Janene Atkinson, husband, Gerren, Norman, Arkansas, brother; Paul Murphy of Hope, two sisters Betty Gilbert and Lucille Dixon both of Hope, eleven grandchildren, eight grandchildren, other family members and friends.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00pm, Saturday, April 23, 2016 at BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home.

Funeral service, 2:00pm, Sunday, April 24, 2016 BRAZZEL/Oakcrest Funeral Home of Hope, with Bro. Wayne Johnson officiating. Burial to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hope.  Arrangements are by BRAZZEL/Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Hope, Eddie BRAZZEL Director. Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com