Obituary for J.B. Murdoch

J. B. Murdoch, 93, of the Economy community, died Thursday, April 25, 2013 at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

He was born March 17, 1920 in Atkins to the late Robert and Lizzie Strickland Murdoch. He was a Christian and member of the Hector Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as elder for many years. Upon retirement and moving to the home place he attended the Hopewell Baptist Church.

J. B. was a World War II veteran serving 44 months as a medic. He was selected to attend the WWII Honor Flight in May 2011 and was overwhelmed by the attention bestowed on them. He was retired 33 years from the U. S. Postal Service where he spent 31 years as a rural mail carrier from the Hector post office. He loved to garden, keep the place looking good, and talking to people. He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. He was loved and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Mary Rebecca Carter Murdoch; parents; sisters Ernestine Haralson, Willa Baldridge, and grandson Jason Patrick Smith.

Survivors include sister Nina McDowell of Alabama, daughter and son-in-law Janis and Don Smith of Waldron; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Ann Murdoch of Economy; three grandchildren Brian Smith of Muldrow, Oklahoma; Kelly Hay of Bryant, Lindsay Taylor of Murphy, Texas; great-grandchildren Blayn, Ethan. Bronson and Ashlyn of Muldrow; Jackson and Spencer of Bryant; Addison and Austin of Murphy; and special friend Mildred Blackburn of Russellville. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews on the Murdoch and Carter side.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Baldridge, Ben Houston, Jim Balkman, Jason Hay, Sam Young, and Blake Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Joe Carter and Ronald J. Beweley.

Graveside service and burial will be 1:00 PM Saturday, April 27, at Oakland Cemetery with Rev. David Bishop and Rev. Charlie Byrd officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oakland Cemetery, P.O. Box 440, Atkins, AR 72823.

Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.