It is with great sadness that the family of Bryan Arthur Murphy, 66, of Opelika, Alabama announces his unexpected passing on June 30, 2023. Bryan was outside in his garden doing what he loved when he passed suddenly.
Bryan was a Godly man who demonstrated love, comfort, humbleness, and laughter everywhere he went. He was the kind of man that was good at everything he did, but he was best at being a husband, dad, grandfather, and son. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie, and his daughters, Jennifer (Dan) McInnis of Burlington, NC, and Kathryn (Paul) Marek of Marietta, GA and his mother, Arlene Murphy. Also, by his 5 precious grandchildren who loved him deeply: Olivia, Quinn, Judah, Silas & Preston. Bryan is also survived by his brothers, Mike (Marie) Murphy of Boston, VA, Tom (Sue) Murphy of Vieques, Puerto Rico and Sean (Angie) Murphy of Westville, FL; nephews, Brendan Murphy & Timothy Murphy; aunt Dorothy Francis (Gary) Morse and great-nephew Jimmy Murphy, Jr. He is preceded in death by his father, George Murphy, and nephews Patrick Murphy and Jimmy Murphy.
Bryan was born on December 22, 1956, in Iowa City, Iowa. As a young boy growing up, he was actively involved in Boy Scouts, learning skills he frequently passed on to his children & grandchildren. He fulfilled the duties to earn his Eagle Scout award in 1972. Bryan graduated from Niceville High School in Niceville, Florida and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science from the University of Florida in 1979. He and Debbie married that same year and settled down in Anniston, Alabama where they welcomed their two little girls. But his dream was to become a veterinarian. Bryan graduated in 1988 from Auburn University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. The family then moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida where he started his first veterinary practice, Murphy Veterinary Hospital. Bryan and Debbie moved to Opelika in 2011, where he continued practicing veterinary medicine at various clinics in the Auburn area including Crawford Road Animal Hospital in Phenix City, Alabama, which he eventually bought and continued to grow. His passion for veterinary medicine included mentoring many veterinary students over the years and he was incredibly proud to do so. He was actively involved in various veterinary societies throughout the country and served on several committees. Bryan was a proud alumnus of Auburn University and loved living in the Auburn area these past several years.
Above all of this, he treasured time with his family. During their 43 years of marriage, he and Debbie enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren, gardening, tending to their farm, hiking, and traveling. Bryan was a talented woodworker and enjoyed doing projects around their farm.
Bryan had the amazing ability to connect with anyone, he never met a stranger. His infectious laugh would always make anyone smile. Let us honor Bryan and continue his legacy by living our lives as he did, with laughter and love, the love that God calls us to.
We will celebrate Bryan’s life on Monday, July 17th at 11:00am CDT at the Church of the Highlands, Auburn East Campus, 2001 E. Samford Avenue, Auburn, AL 36830.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Legacy Fund at Church of the Highlands, Auburn East Campus where he was an active member of the community.
The link for the Legacy Fund can be found below. Select Legacy for the giving type and Auburn East campus. https://pushpay.com/g/highlands?src=hpp
