Joe valued learning and the steady work of shaping young lives. He earned his master’s degree in education from Troy State University, graduating in 1960, and went on to dedicate more than 30 years to the Muscogee County School System. As an art teacher at Eddy Junior High School, he served with quiet devotion and earned many accolades throughout his education career.
Joe also took pride in creativity and craftsmanship. In 1983, one of Joe's students entered the Elmer's National glue Craft contest “Salute to America,” and was selected the State winner of Georgia from over 1200 entries. That year’s honor brought his student a polaroid Amigo Land Camera and Joe a checkbook - wallet with 8-digit calculator—small tokens that marked a meaningful achievement.
Faith and service were central to Joe’s life. He was a member of Gentian Baptist church from 1967–2007, and a member of Rose Hill Baptist church from 2007 until 2026. In both congregations, he served as a deacon and sang with the adult choirs, offering his time and presence with steadfast care.
In quieter moments, Joe found contentment in simple pleasures: fishing, listening to country and bluegrass music, watching western tv shows, and working crossword and jigsaw puzzles. These were the familiar rhythms of a life lived with constancy and appreciation.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Christine Barron Murphree; his parents, Eony Russell and Elma Nettie Scarborough Murphree; his brothers, Dr. James Russell Murphree and Dr. Jerry Eony Murphree; and his sister, Mollie Sue Murphree Jones.
He is survived by his daughter, Angela Marie Murphree Sanes; his grandson, Andrew Shayne Murphree; his sister-in-law, Helen Anderson Murphree; along with several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Joe's Life will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus, Fisher Chapel, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on September 12, 2026, at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donations in memory of Joe Murphree to the American Heart association, The Alzheimer's Association or Paws Humane Society of Columbus, Georgia.
