Erle Douglas Murphey, Jr.

Erle Douglas “Doug”  Murphey, Jr., age 81, of Battle Creek, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. Doug was born July 7, 1941, in Cheyenne, Wyoming the son of Erle D. and Shirley (Havers) Murphey. He graduated from Shades Valley High School in Birmingham, Alabama in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 1, 1959.  Doug went on to serve six years with the White House Signal Agency in Washington, D.C., achieving the rank of Sergeant upon his discharge. On May 20, 1961, he married Carol Jean (Arfman) in Salem, Ohio whom he met while she was working as a stenographer for the F.B.I. in Washington, D.C. They moved to Battle Creek in 1991 and owned and operated the Michigan Motel for ten years. Prior to that, he was a nursing home administrator in Salem, Ohio and Payne, Ohio for twenty years. Doug was an active member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, enjoyed genealogy and wood carving in his free time. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol on January 7, 2023, his parents and a brother, Terry Murphey. Doug is survived by his children: Ed (JoAnne) Murphey of Houston, Texas, Shelley (Brent) Jackson of St. Paris, Ohio and Lori (Chris) Barton of Battle Creek; as well as five grandchildren: Nathan, Nicholas, Alyssa, Katie and Kyle; three sisters: Pat (Joe) Gregory, Sally (Steve) Watson and Mary (Ken) Courtney; and many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service to celebrate Doug’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Chapel Hill United Methodist church with The Rev. Julie Elmore officiating. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. A private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the church. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. www.henryfunerahome.org