Karl Gary Murphy passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017, at the age of 68. He was a 1967 graduate of Coffee High School, a pipefitter by trade, and a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 760.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Martha Gatlin Murphy, and his brother, Kelley Murphy, all of Florence.
Gary is survived by his daughters, Jessica Richardson and her husband, Frankie, of Killen, and Rebecca Murphy, of Florence, and grandsons, Joshua Richardson and his wife, Morgan, of Huntsville, and Nick Richardson, of Killen. Gary’s sisters, Paula Smith and husband, Nelson, of Montgomery, and Marcia Nesbitt and husband, Dale, of Muscle Shoals, survive him as well; along with nieces, Erin Sims and husband, Van, of Mobile, and Emily Lincicum and husband, Joshua, of Madison; and two nephews, Justin Murphy and wife, Katie, of Derby, Kansas, and Kyle Murphy and his wife, Heather, of Killen. Gary will also be missed by his best friend, Lindsey Jordan.
Gary was an avid reader, an accomplished pool player, a gunsmith, and a gun collector. For many years he followed Alabama football and Atlanta Braves baseball. A talented storyteller, Gary often captivated close friends and family with his humorous recollections.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held today at 2 p.m. at Spry-Williams Funeral Home, 1950 Helton Dr., Florence. You may sign the guest register at sprywilliams.com.
