Sam Barrow Murphree III

Sam Barrow Murphree, III May 31, 1950 – July 16, 2026

Sam Barrow Murphree, III, of Columbus, Mississippi passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 16, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on May 31, 1950, in Panama City, Florida, Sam was the son of Sam Barrow Murphree, Jr. and the late Jean Hutchison Murphree. He spent his childhood moving throughout the country and abroad, attending schools in Montgomery, Alabama; South Korea; the Philippines; and Georgia. Most summers were spent in Destin, Florida. Those experiences fostered in him a lifelong appreciation for travel, adventure, and meeting and befriending people from all walks of life.

Sam graduated from Hardaway High School in Columbus, Georgia, in 1968 before attending Troy State University in Troy, Alabama.

Sam was larger than life. Throughout his life Sam loved unconditionally. He had a vibrant personality, a contagious sense of humor, and certainly never met a stranger. He left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He loved fiercely, spoke his mind, and lived unapologetically. With Sam, there was never any guessing where you stood—his love was genuine, unwavering, and refreshingly unfiltered.

An adventurer at heart, Sam enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and beyond, collecting memories and friendships everywhere he went. Destin, Florida, remained his "happy place," filled with treasured childhood memories of summers spent fishing, boating, and enjoying time with family along the Gulf Coast.

Sam found joy in life's simple pleasures: walking his beloved dogs, listening to music, sitting on the porch swing, sharing stories, and making those around him laugh. Even throughout his many health challenges, Sam never lost the wit and humor that defined him. He faced each day with remarkable resilience, beating the odds time and again, including 18 years as a cancer survivor and spending his final three years under hospice care with strength, grace, and the same indomitable spirit that carried him throughout his life.

Affectionately known as "Pop Pops," he was incredibly proud of his grandchildren: Annabelle Brislin, Finn Murphree, Lucinda "Lucy" Murphree, Sam Hyta, and Abe Hyta. Whether sharing stories, telling a joke, making them laugh, or simply spending time together, he treasured every moment

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Hutchison Cartwright; his stepfather, Richard Cartwright; his mother-in-law, Miriam Hearn Killebrew; his father-in-law, Marty Lucas Killebrew; his grandparents Sam Barrow Murphree, Sr. and Melanie Walthall Murphree.

He is survived by his faithful wife of more than 55 years, Carol Killebrew Murphree; his father, Sam Barrow Murphree, Jr., and stepmother, Janet Taylor Murphree, of Columbus, Georgia; multiple siblings; and his children, Amber Brislin (Quinn) of Columbus, Mississippi, Sam Barrow "Barry" Murphree, IV (Keavy) of Nashville, Tennessee, Bret Murphree of Columbus, Mississippi, and Ashli Williams of Nashville, Tennessee; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and beloved pets.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the compassionate nurses, specifically, Dallas Niswonger, Will Godfrey and Diane Triplett and the hospice team who cared for Sam with such kindness, dignity, and grace during his final days. Your love, comfort, and support meant more than words can express. A private family celebration of Sam's life will be held at a later in Destin, Florida—a place forever close to his heart.

Sam's life was one of adventure, laughter, fierce love, and unforgettable memories. Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the countless stories he told, the laughter he inspired, and the family and friends who were blessed to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbus Lowndes Humane Society.