Dr. Robert Nelson Murdock was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on Friday, August 26th, 2022, surrounded by those who loved him most. He was born on March 15, 1947 and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He completed his undergraduate degree at Baylor University, and went on to attend the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He then completed residency at the Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Marguerite Miller. The two were married in 1977 and had two daughters, Kelly and Tracy.
Robert practiced medicine for more than 40 years, initially as an Emergency Room physician and later as a Hospice physician at Columbus Hospice. It was at the core of his being to care for others, and he considered this responsibility a privilege. He often shared stories of the patients, nurses, and staff that he loved and respected so much. While he enriched the lives of so many, Robert would argue that he was the lucky one.
Robert would be the first to tell you that he hit the marital jackpot when he married Marguerite. Their 45-year marriage was one to envy, as they were quite clearly each other’s favorite person. They were often seen hand in hand, with Marguerite’s purse on his arm, rather than hers.
Some of Robert’s most treasured memories were coaching his daughters (and many others) in softball over the years and singing in the choir at Wynnton United Methodist Church. He cherished time spent in Cusseta on the family farm and always spoke of times there with family as the best of his life. Robert loved to travel and garden, and recently had begun playing guitar and piano again. Robert also delighted in the love and care of his beloved pup, Lollipop.
One thing evident to all who knew him was that Robert was born to be a grandfather. He was Papa to the affectionately named “Fab 5” - Gray (13), Olivia (12), Abby (11), Drew (10), and Benjamin (8). They made him belly laugh and shake his head simultaneously, and they filled his heart with complete pride and joy.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Ben Murdock, his sister, Neva Murdock, his father-in-law, Billy Miller, and the countless animals he loved so much. He is survived by wife Marguerite Miller Murdock, daughter Kelly Nichols, daughter and son-in-law Tracy and Justin Henry, and grandchildren Lillian Gray Nichols, Drew Marguerite Nichols, Olivia Grace Henry, Abigail Ryan Henry, and Benjamin Cole Henry. Other surviving family members include Lillian McMichael Miller, Ann and Walter Miller and family, and Ben Miller and Pam Ligon and family.
Funeral services for Robert will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Wynnton UMC. Reverend Dr. Jason Wade will be officiating. A private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Robert’s name to two places dear to his heart: Columbus Hospice or Wynnton UMC.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Murdock family.
