Gary Owen Murphree

Gary Owen Murphree, 82, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. Born on December 27, 1943, Gary lived a full life surrounded by the people and things he loved most.

Gary had a way of making people feel at ease. He was friendly, easygoing, and always willing to lend a hand. He never met a stranger and seemed to find a connection with just about everyone he met. Helping others was simply part of who he was, whether through a small act of kindness, volunteering his time, or serving his church, Cookeville First United Methodist Church, which was an important part of his life.

Gary and his beloved wife, Melba, were married on March 4, 1966, and shared 60 years together. Their life was built around family, and nothing meant more to Gary than his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took great pride in his family and the life they shared.

In addition to his wife, Melba, he leaves behind his daughter, Karen Bogart, and her husband, John; his son, Brian Murphree, and his wife, Tracy; and his daughter, Leslie Goodman, and her husband, Brandon. He is also survived by his sister, Marci Murphree; his grandchildren, Kayla Brown and her husband, Nathan; Zachary Murphree and his wife, Taylor; David Officer; Lauren Goodman; Audrey Goodman; his great-grandchild, Dominic Brown; his nephew, Tanner Murphree, and niece, Leah Murphree.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Virginia Murphree, and his brother, Mike Murphree.

Gary served in the Army National Guard, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. He was also a member of the Breakfast Rotary Club in Cookeville and participated in the first Leadership Putnam class in 1991.

Away from work and his community activities, Gary enjoyed woodworking, fly-fishing, scuba diving, and cycling. He appreciated working with his hands, spending time outdoors, and staying busy with the things he enjoyed. Whether he was working on a project or lending a hand to someone who needed it, Gary found satisfaction in doing things for himself and others.

Friends and family are invited to gather and remember Gary between the hours of 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Cookeville City Cemetery.

Gary will be deeply missed by his family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be remembered for his kindness, his easygoing nature, his willingness to help, and the love he had for his family. He didn’t need a special occasion to show someone he cared, and he didn’t have to know someone well to treat them like a friend. Those who knew Gary will carry with them the memories of time spent together, the things he taught them, and the many quiet ways he made life a little better for the people around him.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, call (931) 526-6111. To share thoughts and memories, visit www.hhhfunerals.com