Roger Dale Murphree

Roger was born on August 23, 1946 in Cullman, Alabama to Wyatt and Willodean Murphree. In his early childhood, he moved with his family to Tuscaloosa, AL where he graduated from Tuscaloosa High in 1964. After high school, Roger served in the Army and was deployed for 13 months during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Roger graduated from the University of Alabama, Birmingham in 1973 and had a successful career in accounting and finance until his retirement in 2010 from New South Federal Savings Bank.

Roger married Patricia Perry on May 29, 1970 and enjoyed nearly 52 years of marriage to his sweetheart. He and Patricia have three wonderful children and eight delightful grandchildren. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, traveling with his sweetheart, and fishing on Smith Lake or Warrior River. He worked hard to provide for and love his family, and his family loves him dearly.

Roger and his family were faithful members of Gardendale Church of the Nazarene, where he served in many capacities, including pianist, church board member, Sunday School teacher and church treasurer. He freely gave of his time and talents in service to his Lord and Savior.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Wyatt and Willodean Murphree. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Perry) Murphree; three children, Lauren Bryan, Elaine Shelton (Brent), John Murphree (Emily); and 8 grandchildren: Emma, Ellie & Linden Bryan, Jacob, Maggie & Norah Shelton, and Evie & Audrey Murphree. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Smith (Ken), niece Tammy Smith and nephew Stephen Smith, along with numerous beloved cousins.

Roger was passionate about Gardendale Church of the Nazarene’s mission program called Appalachia Reach Out (ARO). Donations to this mission fund in his memory can be sent to 1800 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071.

A visitation for Roger will be held Sunday, February 27, 2022 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Gardendale Church of the Nazarene, 1800 Decatur Hwy, Gardendale, AL, followed by a funeral service at 3:30 PM. An interment committal service will be held Monday, February 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, AL in the Honor Garden.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Murphree family.