Justin David Murphree

Justin David Murphree, 48, of El Dorado died on Thursday, January 11, 2024. While he will fondly be remembered for loving everything NASCAR and the St. Louis Cardinals. The core of his life was service; the kind of service that is the foundation on which communities and families are built.

Justin's service began early with an Eagle Scout badge. He would take those tenets and pledge with him to serve in the Army National Guard and then into his professional career. He was an EMT, paramedic, firefighter and teacher. He served both the El Dorado Fire Department as assistant chief and the Union County Sheriff's Department. He served on the SWAT team and was a member of the Arkansas Sheriff's Honor Guard. He earned several advanced degrees in Emergency Management from both SAU Tech and Arkansas Tech, as well as, a host of awards and certifications from numerous institutions in the fields of firefighting and EMS. He was EMT Program Director at Southark and taught dozens of classes in first aid and CPR. Unknown to most, Justin was also a fine artist and a consummate wood worker.

While his professional career of service was admirable and impressive it paled to the love he had for family; especially his daughter Rachel and late wife Kerry. He was crazy about his niece and nephews and extended family whose pride in him was endless.

Justin was preceded in death by his wife Kerry Murphree, brother in law Shannon Griffin and both of his devoted grandfathers Dennis Murphree and Maynard Steinman.

Justin is survived by his daughter Rachel Murphree of El Dorado, Leslie Sharp of Magnolia, his parents Joan Murphree and Shelby Murphree, two sisters Jennifer Griffin and Shelcy McGriff (Jeffrey), one brother Blake Murphree (Emily), niece and nephews Garrison Griffin, Kaden, Rayson, Corbet and Kinsley McGriff, Brooks Murphree and by his grandmothers Pat Murphree and Charlotte Steinman all of El Dorado.

From the book of Isaiah ... "I heard the Lord's voice say, who will go for us? So I said send me." A service of thanksgiving for Justin's life and commitment to the service of others will be held Saturday, January 20 at 1:00 at Our Savior Lutheran Church.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 19th 5:00-7:00 at 514 North Madison Avenue. Parking for the visitation is available at St. Mary's Episcopal Church and Young's Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Kerry Murphree Memorial fund at the Union County Community Foundation, 101 West Main Street, Suite 506, El Dorado, AR, 71730.

Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Murphree family.