Harvey Austin Murphy, 91, of Pocahontas passed away Thursday, December 21, 2023 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro.

He was born April 17, 1932 in Lawrence County, AR near Egypt to the late Jess Franklin and Myrtle Mae Kissling Murphy. Harvey was an Army veteran having served in the 101st Airborne. He attended Southern Baptist College where he was asked to teach a course in mechanics. He later worked as a contract machinist for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis where he made parts that were used in the Apollo space missions. Harvey would also work as a rice farmer then owned and operated Murphy’s Heat & Air in Pocahontas.

Harvey enjoyed many hobbies including woodworking, motorcycles, and building experimental aircrafts. Harvey was an accomplished musician and enjoyed playing the harmonica especially at local nursing homes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Myrtle Murphy; wives, Janice Pratt Murphy and Marie Simpson Cagle Murphy; son, Michael Murphy; two daughters, Dana Hone and Denise Murphy; brother, Harold; and sisters, Ruth Cavenaugh, Marie Turner, and Joy Seagraves.

Harvey is survived by his daughter, Dawn (Gary) Bowman of Ballwin, MO; two sisters, Betty Cates and Beatrice Dawson; three brothers, Howard Murphy, Jerry Murphy, and Darrell Murphy; brother- in-law, Bruce Pratt; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, December 29, 2023 from 11 AM-1 PM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 1 PM with Joshua Dement officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Masonic Cemetery.