Wilburn Wendell Murphree

Wilburn Wendell Murphree, age 86 of Gardendale, AL passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who was very much loved and will be greatly missed. Wendell grew up on a family farm raising Hereford cattle and horses. He always enjoyed the western way of life, being a cowboy, watching John Wayne western movies, and growing up he had a Palomino horse named “TriggerJr.” Mr. Murphree retired from US Steel with 17 years of service and then worked with Fuller Supply Company after retirement. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a Sergeant First Class in the 7th Infantry Division. Wendell loved his Lord and was a faithful member of the East Gardendale Baptist Church. He and his wife Christine enjoyed traveling all over the United States with their family making many memories to cherish throughout their life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Pierce Murphree, and his parents, Wilburn and Arrie Murphree. He is survived by his daughter, Tami Cumpston (Jeff); and his grandchildren, Chad Griffith (Kristen), Tabitha Neary (Andy), and Cody Griffith; great grandchildren, Christine Neary, AnnaBelle Neary, and Oliver Griffith; sisters, Dorothy Hopkins and Terrill Murphree; a niece, Sharon Cook; and his special friend Kay Biddle, who he enjoyed eating out with and visiting with their friends at the Gardendale Senior Center. She has become a welcomed member of the family.

Services will be held Friday, December 30th at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Gardens with U.S. Army military honors. Rev. Allen Davis will officiate services.