Robert Leland Murrah, Sr.

MURRAH, ROBERT LELAND of Orlando, 85, passed away on July 10, 2016. He was born in Columbus, Ga., on November 8, 1930. His family relocated to Florida to join his father, who had come here after WWII with four brothers to pursue their professional careers. Bob attended Admiral Farragut Academy Preparatory School and graduated from Orlando High School in 1948. He then attended Oxford College, Emory University and the University of Georgia with a two-year military stint in between. He earned his BBA Degree with a major in Personnel Management and a double minor in Psychology and Accounting. While at Emory, he immersed himself in campus life. He was an active member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, serving as a President and earning the ATO Key. Bob was a feature editor of Campus yearbook. He met his wife Ann while at Emory and frequently traveled to Gainesville, Ga., visiting her at Brenau College. They married in 1952, after dating for two years. That same year he entered the Army where he was assigned to Adjutant General Corp., attached to the Commanding General of the Fifth Army Headquarters. During his Army career he worked on feasibility studies and procedures for converting the Army Reserve record-keeping system from manual to machine accounting. During his military assignment in Chicago, Bob and Ann’s first child, Frances, was born in July, 1953. Following the family’s time in Chicago, they moved to Atlanta and Bob began his 27-year professional career at New York Life Insurance Company in 1954. He served as supervisor of the Atlanta General Office. Bob and Ann’s son, Bobby, was born in September, 1957. In December, 1957, Bob was transferred to Ft. Lauderdale as Assistant Manager to open a new General Office, and the family moved to Florida. In 1959, he was promoted to the Atlanta Central Service Office, responsible for all accounting operations for 36 General Offices as well as planning and budget projections for: operations, personnel training, and general operational supervision. Bob was recognized as part of the Life Office Management Association and retired from New York Life in 1981. Upon retirement he continued an active life in the community and organizations. He was a member of and served on: The Art Institute of Atlanta; Executive Committee for fundraising for The Woodruff Arts Center; Atlanta Opera Guild; Board of Directors of the Brookwood Hills Civic Association, Atlanta; Shakerag Hunt Club, Atlanta; part of the founding group of the Atlanta Steeplechase; Vice-President of the Culver Fathers Association, Culver, Indiana; United Hunts Racing Association, New York; Conyers-Rockdale Historical Society; Board of Churches’ Homes for Women, Atlanta; recipient of Cross of Malta for humanitarian service; Board of Advisors Alpha Tau Omega, Emory chapter; Sons of the Revolution; General Society of the War of 1812; Colonial Wars and numerous other lineage societies. He was particularly active in Descendants of the Signers of the Constitution. He was also active in the Methodist Church in Atlanta, Conyers, and Orlando. In his later years, Bob helped his son operate his private orthopedic office and served as a team member of Orlando Health. Although Bob served in many organizations and had numerous achievements in his life, the most important issues to him were family, faith, and friends. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann Ralls Freeman Murrah; daughter, Frances Ralls Murrah Lovett, (W. Britt); son, Dr. Robert Leland Murrah, Jr., (Lisa); grandchildren – William Britt Lovett, III, (Melissa), Ann Lovett Elsas, (Charlie), Robert Hamilton Murrah, Annie Collier Murrah, Will B. Bracey, and Brad R. Bracey; five great grandchildren – Witt and Davis Lovett, Chase, Palmer, and Frances Elsas; and sister, Stacy Murrah Moss (Robert). Also, he is survived by many dear Murrah cousins descended from the five Murrah brothers who moved here from Georgia in the 1940s. A service will be held for Bob on July 16, at First United Methodist Church, 142 E. Jackson St., Orlando, at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the church Gathering Space. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery after the reception. Memorial donations may be made to the Music Dept. of First United Methodist Church. A Community Funeral Home & Sunset Cremations, 910 W. Michigan St., Orlando, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Leland Murrah, Sr.

November 8, 1930 - July 10, 2016