Henry Douglas Murphy

Henry Douglas Murphy began his journey of life on December 16, 1939, in Carthage, Arkansas as the son of Louie and Henrietta O’Hara Murphy. He was a graduate of Carthage High School and grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. On December 23, 1967, he united in holy matrimony with the apple of his eye, the sweet Samella Hill. Henry had a loving spirit, great sense of humor and never met a stranger. He worked as an independent logger for several years until his retirement. Later in his life he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. He was a faithful member of Victory Temple Church of God In Christ where he served dutifully as a deacon and assistant Sunday school superintendent. Throughout his life he was a devoted and committed husband, father, loving grandfather, great-grandfather, faithful & trusted friend. He found comfort and joy in spending time with his family. He was that warm hand on a cold morning; that voice of wisdom and reason when the world was upside-down; that vessel of hope that carried loved ones and friends safely across rivers of change in their lives. On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, in his 70th season of life he passed into the Lord’s embrace. Those left to celebrate his life are his wife, Samella Hill Murphy, his children, Ricky (Cheryl) Conner of Houston Texas, Alvin Pennix of Long Beach , California, Henry (Kathy) Florence of Malvern, Zina (Eddie) Bailey of Arkadelphia, Joel Bloomfield of Las Vegas, Nevada, Tamara Jolly, Kendall Murphy and Gwendolyn (Roy) Pollins, all of Hot Springs. He also leaves indelible impressions in the heart of his twenty-five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Floyd Murphy of Detroit, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and numerous fiends. Mr. Murphy will lie in state in the funeral home on Monday, February 1, 2010, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. The family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Homegoing Celebration will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 12:00 noon in Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Superintendent Leroy Williams, pastor of Tate Temple COGIC will officiate and Elder Robert Davis will preach the message of hope and comfort. The committal service and final resting place will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. Bearers of the casket will be Darrian Conner, Terence Conner, Jermaine Conner, Gerard Bailey, Gerrel Bailey and Bryson Foreman. Honorary bearers will be Elder J. B. Bailey, Jr., Earl Bailey, Bobby Hart, Elder J.W. Owens and Elder G.C. Nolen.