Guy Murphree

Guy Murphree, 60, of Nashville, TN, passed away at Alive Hospice on May 19, 2024, due to an unexpected brain bleed after he had to have emergency surgery for a cancerous tumor.

Guy was born in Roanoke, Alabama on November 28, 1963, to parents, Phillip A. Murphree and Joan Heard. His family eventually settled in Nashville, Tennessee where Guy went on to attend Hillwood High School and graduate from the University of Middle Tennessee in 1989.

Guy worked as an environmental chemist at Pace Analytical for 22 years. His two beloved hobbies were exploring the great outdoors and photography. He was an avid hiker, kayaker and a masterful photographer, where he frequently could be found holding a camera, capturing his two favorite subjects: nature and his family. He also loved playing board games, shooting basketball, and watching college football, where he was a devoted fan to the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Guy was a genuine, kind-hearted man, known for his witty jokes and exceptional listening skills. Wherever he went, children and animals flocked to him, sensing his warm spirit and big heart. He always believed in giving back too. He was a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee where he became a big brother to a young boy named Chance, welcoming him into the family like a third child. He was also a volunteer with the Disability Ministry at his church, where he spent many weekends taking adults with disabilities on fun outings around town.

Above all, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his two children. He was a committed father, and his children's biggest fan. When his son started playing soccer, he became the coach, and when his daughter started playing softball, he became one of her team's coaches too. His home was a collection of photographs of his favorite places he frequented with his children including: Cheekwood, the Great Smoky Mountains, Percy Warner Park, Radnor Lake, and, later in life, Big Bear Lake, California, and Castle Rock, Colorado, after his daughter moved to California and his son moved to Colorado. Those who knew Guy well knew he possessed a true gift for patience. He was a wise man, quick to listen and slow to speak, and always up for an adventure. Later in life, he went skydiving, paragliding, horseback riding, and could hike up to 6 miles a day with ease. He was incredibly active, thoughtful, and always known to be a hard worker.

Guy was preceded in death by his parents, Phil A. Murphree of Fairview, TN and Joan Heard Murphree of Mt. Juliet, TN. He is survived by his two children, Sarah Marie Murphree-Lopez and Andrew Taylor Murphree; his brother, Phillip A. Murphree, his sister, Tammy Lynn Neal, his nephews; Phillip A. Murphree Jr., Matthew Murphree, Kyle Neal, Adam Neal, and his son-in law; Erick Victor Lopez.

A Celebration of Guy’s Life will take place at The Pavilion at Harpeth in Bellevue, Tennessee at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 10th, 2024. Following the service, the family of Guy Murphree and close friends are invited to spread Guy’s ashes in the place he loved most, among the trees of Tennessee.

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