Donald "Don" Murphy

Donald Ray Murphy, age 77, of Avery, passed away, Thursday, April 27, 2023.  Don was born December 11, 1945, in Texarkana, Arkansas to John Wesley and Velma Pauline Howard Murphy.  He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from East Texas State University.  He taught at Hope High School for 4 years and retired from the Avery Independent School District after 32 years. Don was a member of Avery Masonic Lodge #921 AF&AM.  He was known  for his “Murphyisms” and never met a stranger.  He loved his girls and cherished his grandchildren.  His parents; wife, Marty Murphy; brother, Billy Murphy; sisters, Mary McDuffie, Margie Lynch and his twin, Diannah Lum; and a brother-in-law, Earl Lum all preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Lindeman Chapel of Clarksville Funeral Home.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2023, at the Avery High School Gene Weaver Gymnasium with Rev. Deannie Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in Boxelder Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home.  Avery Lodge #921 will conduct graveside rites.

Survivors include his daughters, Holly Harvey and husband, Jeff of Clarksville and Heather Patterson of San Antonio; 7 grandchildren, Kaden Moore, Briley Moore, Kyle Patterson, Jaret Palmer, Matthew Armstrong, Breanna Harvey and Leland Harvey; his sister-in-law, Myrna Murphy of Avery; nieces, Donna Whiteman and husband, Steven of Marlow, Oklahoma, Lori Nehrcorn and husband, Bobby of New Boston, Jeanie Murphy of Dallas, LaDonna Murphy Hunt of Avery and Erin Crow Myers; his nephew Rusty McDuffie and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Randy Peacock, Wayne Johnson, Brian Meador, A.J. Morris, John King Williams and Ray Lamon.  Honorary pallbearers are John Richard Williams, Larry Milam, Shannon Thetford, Ross Schwab, Anthony Tucker, Toby Downs, David Grigg and the members of Avery Masonic Lodge #921 AF&AM.

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