John A. H. Murphree's Obituary
John A. H. Murphree Jr, 82, died Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at the ET York Haven Hospice Care Center in Gainesville. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Kay (Mason) Murphree; his son, John A. H. Murphree III (Gainesville); his daughter, Frann Murphree Richards (Tampa); two beloved grandchildren, Mason Richards (Chapel Hill, NC) and Asher Richards (Tampa); sister, Frances (Murphree) Sauls; brother-in-law, Charles Sauls (Gainesville) and many other relatives and close friends.
Born July 31, 1935, John was a lifelong resident of Gainesville and the descendant of some of the community’s pioneer families. John’s paternal grandfather, Dr. A. A. Murphree, served as the third president of Florida State College (later renamed Florida State University) from 1897 to 1909, and the second president of the University of Florida from 1909 to 1927. Fred Winston, his maternal grandfather, built both Kirby Smith School and the original Florida Field (now Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium). His father, John A. H. Murphree Sr. was a judge in the 8th circuit court of Gainesville and he had many other relatives who helped build the foundation for both the University and the city of today. John grew up, got married, raised his family and remained in Gainesville throughout his life. He was proud of his community and wouldn’t have lived anywhere else.
John was a 1953 graduate of P.K. Yonge Development Research School. He spent his first year of college at Sewanee, the “University of the South,” where he was on the wrestling team. After which he returned to his home town and, in 1958, received a Bachelor of Science in Advertising degree from the University of Florida where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and formed many lifelong friendships. A consummate salesman, he began his career in the paper distribution business ultimately founding Heritage Paper Company where he worked until his retirement and sold the business in early 2014. Over the years his customers became friends as it was John’s genuine nature to connect with people. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville, the No-Name Club, was a member and former president of Skippers and one of the original members and former president of the Gator Hunt Club.
John was a Southern Gentleman and enjoyed guns, knives and dogs. He was an avid hunter and sporting clay enthusiast. Like clockwork, on Wednesday afternoons you’d find him shooting skeet with close friends and, during hunting season, he’d spend weekends in a dove field. He was a natural shot and, even in recent weeks, managed to break more clay pigeons than most while seated in his walker. He made a hobby out of collecting and sharpening knives. Many of his family, neighbors and friends learned the hard way to respect a knife sharpened by John. He also enjoyed passing along his sharpening technique to the younger generations. He leaves a legacy of knowledge for his children, their friends and especially his grandson, Asher, who will carry forward the tradition. Second only to his family, John had a passion for dogs. Regardless of where he was or what he was doing, if he came upon a dog, he would stop for a visit. Throughout his life, he had a canine companion by his side at all times.
Most importantly, John was a lover of life and people. He wanted his family to thank his many friends for their time and fellowship throughout the years as each and every one held a special place in his heart. A warm smile always on his face, he lived life to the fullest!
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” —Shannon L. Alder
A “Celebration of Memories” will be held Friday, July 27, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street, Newberry. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Haven Hospice, c/o Haven Development, 4200 NW 90th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606 or online at www.beyourhaven.org.
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