Wayne Eugene Murphy

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Celebrating the life of
Wayne Eugene MurphyJune 24, 1935 - December 24, 2015

SAVANNAH - Wayne Eugene Murphy was born in Atlanta, GA on June 24, 1935 and passed away December 24, 2015 at Spanish Oaks Hospice. He married the girl next door, Barbara Maxey on June 29, 1956. Wayne served in the U.S. Navy Reserves and active duty in the U.S. Army for two years, specializing in communications. He worked for Southern Bell and became a McDonald's Franchisee in October 1967.

Wayne was always very community minded serving as President of the DeKalb Co. Jaycees, National Director, Commander of the Jaycee Rebel Corp, and JCI Senator. He also chaired two political campaigns in DeKalb County.

The family moved to Statesboro, GA in 1973 to build the first McDonald’s in the city. A supporter of Georgia Southern since 1973, he served on the selection committee that led to the selection of Erk Russell as the football program's first head coach. An active member of the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Georgia Southern.” He was named to the GSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014. He served on the Advisory Board of the GSU College of Business Administration from 1987-2011. He was honored as a member of the 1906 Society and the Marvin Pittman Society as a supporter of the GSU Foundation.

The Murphy’s moved to Savannah in 1980. He and his business partner since l967, Hugh Tracy were instrumental in founding the Ronald McDonald House in Savannah. Wayne continued his leadership by serving on the Board of Directors, attending national meetings, providing furnishings and celebrating the opening of the Family rooms at Candler and Memorial Hospitals. Wayne was the recipient of the coveted “Ronald Award” from McDonald's Corporation for outstanding community service. In addition, he served on the Board of the U.S. cooperative of McDonald's Owner/Operators known as the Operator's National Advertising (OPNAD) Fund and was a member of the McDonald’s Corporation Political Action Committee.

Wayne was a former member of Savannah Quarterback Club, St. Patrick Day Parade Committee, Board of Youth Futures Authority, Advisory Board Salvation Army, the Landing’s Club and co-chair of Savannah's first Citizens against Crime Committee. As he battled four different types of cancer, he served on the American Cancer Society Board, the Georgia ACS Legislative Committee, and participated in many Relay for Life annual events.

Wayne loved God and he loved people. He served as a greeter for Sunday and Wednesday night services at Skidaway Island Baptist Church. Wayne retired from McDonald's in December 1999 and continued to go to the office or the restaurants every day to visit customers, until he became too ill in December of 2013. Wayne very much loved his two sons and four grandsons, but especially his “little angel” the one granddaughter, Clare.

Wayne is predeceased by his parents Rev. Lawrence and Nelle Jones Murphy, a brother, Captain Larron "Bucky" Murphy, MIA Vietnam. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Barbara Maxey Murphy, son Michael Wayne "Mike" Murphy (Marie Wright), son Richard Eugene "Ricky" Murphy (Natalie Thomas), grandsons Michael Wayne Murphy, Jr., Ashley Wright Murphy, Richard Devin Murphy, Samuel Larron Murphy and granddaughter Clarice Elizabeth "Clare" Murphy and two step grand sons, Stephen and Thomas. Sisters Sherrill "Sherry" Westbury (Phil) of Hartwell, GA, Susan Ward (Ron) of Dalton and brother Kenneth Murphy (Katrina) of Dalton, and several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Skidaway Island Baptist Church at 11:00 am. Visitation and reception will be held in the church social hall following the service. Senior Pastor, Dr. James Staubes will officiate the service. A private burial will be held in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

The family suggests donations be made to The Ronald McDonald House, 4710 Waters Ave. Savannah, GA 31404, or Skidaway Island Baptist Church, 2 West Ridge Road, Savannah, GA 31411.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Wayne was a very dear and special man. Everyone that knew him, loved him! He will be missed! Our prayers, hearts and love are with you.

- Judy and Patrick Green, Savannah, Ga

I have known Wayne and Barbara since I joined the DeKalb County Jaycees in 1967. He was a hard worker and will be missed.Our prayers and thoughts are with his family at this time. Ruth & ray Baskette

- Ray Baskette, Tucker, Ga

I have the very fondest memories of Mr. Murphy throughout my teenage and later years. He was such a fun loving and truly likeable man in every way. He left many great memories with those that he knew and loved thru the years..Hugs to you, Mrs Barbara and Mike & Ricky

- Nancy Newton Thomas, Screven, GA

It has truly been my honor and privilege to have had the opportunity of being Wayne's physician for so many years. thru these years I have also been able to become a friend and admirer. He will be very much missed but he has left many fond memories for all us to recall. sincerely yours, Steve Morris

- Steve Morris, Savannah, Ga

Barbara, Ricky and family, We are so sorry to hear of Wayne's passing.He was truly a very special man to many, especially a small group of kids and their families at MDS. We treasure the sweet memories of road trips in the McDonald's Motorhome. Eating lots and lots of Cheeseburgers and Chicken Macnuggets. Wayne sliding down the hill on a cookie sheet when it snowed in WV.The excitement of our kids having the opportunities to travel to TN,WV,FL and many other states and experience track and field on a higher level. All the laughter, the friendships and team bonding. It was all because of Wayne and the love he had for our kids. Thank you, Dear Sweet Friend for a millon plus laughs and a lifetime of memories. Barbara, Ricky and all the Murphy family, Please know that our thoughts prayers are with each of you as you are going through this very difficult time. God bless you all.

- June Boggs (McKendree girls) Traci, Tami & Teri, Savannah, GA

Dear Murphy Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all as we all remember and celebrate a special man!! I have very fond memories of "Mr. Murphy" as we traveled all together to compete in track meets all over the country! He was our biggest supporter and He will always have a special place in my heart! God bless you all!

- Traci (Mckendree) Hicks, Louisville, KY

My deepest condolences to your family. Mr. Murphy was an inspiration to all.

- Tootie Stevens Irvin, Richmond Hill , Ga

We were so sad to hear that Wayne had passed away. He was a great friend of my brother,Joe Spinks. Please know that we are prying for the family and asking God to wrap his loving arms around you in this time of sorry. Diane Cook

- Diane & Woody Cook, Flagler Beach, Fl.

Sorry for your loss,remembering my banking days with him.

- Sue Hagins, Savannah, ga

Murphy Family, Wayne was an amazing fella - always a twinkle in his eye and a spark in his heart! So fortunate to have had our paths cross through the love and passion for the Ronald McDonald House. May your memories be great and Wayne's legacy live on in your hearts. Prayers for peace & comfort for the entire Murphy family. With love & blessings, Lisa & Eddie Dean

- Lisa and Eddie Dean, Savannah, GA

To the Murphy Family - Each of you have my deepest condolences for the lost of Wayne Eugene Murphy! TENDERLY may time heal your sorrows, GENTLY may friends ease your pains, SOFTLY may peace replace your heartaches and may your warmest memories remain. W Wiggins

- Wilbur Wiggins , Atlanta, Georgia

My deepest condolences to the Murphy family for the loss of your dear loved one. During this most difficult time, may your hearts be comforted by Jehovah God's promise to wipe out every tear from our eyes, and death will be no more(Rev. 21:3,4).

- Thomas, Snellville, Ga.