Dr. Alexander T. “Leck” Murphey, 87, of Augusta, Ga. entered into rest Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012 at the Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. He was the widower of the late Ann C. Murphey of Evans, Ga.
Leck was born on June 9, 1925 to A.T. Murphey Sr. and Elsie Wright Murphey. He spent his entire youth in Augusta and graduated from Richmond Academy High School with honors. His college career started at Clemson University but World War II caused a transfer into the Naval V12 program in medicine at the University of South Carolina and the Medical College of Georgia. He graduated from MCG at the age of 22 with very high honors and was named to the medical honor society AOA.
Leck started his postgraduate residency in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich. and Charleston Naval Hospital. A short break saw him serve as a medical officer on the battleship USS Wisconsin during the Korean War. Upon completion of his active duty he returned to Augusta and started a private practice in internal medicine. He shortly became one of the first physicians in Georgia to earn a board certification in internal medicine and was named a fellow in the American College of Physicians.
Leck proudly practiced medicine in Augusta for more than 50 years before retiring. He was an active member in American Medical Association, the Georgia Diabetes Association (past president), Southern Medical Association, American College of Physicians (fellow) and a clinical researcher for Eli Lily Pharmaceutical Company.
After he retired from medicine, he earned his broker’s license in real estate and founded Murphey Real Properties, Inc., which he operated with his late wife, Ann. He also rekindled a childhood passion for ham radios and became very active in the Augusta Amateur Radio Club. His lifelong hobbies included hunting, playing golf, flying (private pilot) but most of all spending time with his seven boys.
Family members include a sister, Ruth Federickson of Atlanta, Ga.; seven sons, Alexander T. Murphey III of San Francisco, Calif., Eugene Edmund Murphey of Atlanta, Ga., Dr. Julian I. Murphey (DaNelle) of Martinez, Ga., David D. Murphey of Apopka, Fla., Michael C. Murphey (Amanda) of Martinez, Ga., Chris C. Murphey of Appling, Ga. and Phillip A. Murphey (Miranda) of Appling; 12 grandchildren, Brian Murphey, Jennifer Greenbaum (Greg), Todd Murphey, Alex W. Murphey, Deidre Thigpen (Mike), Kristen G. Murphey, Nicholas Sean Murphey, Leanna Haye (Ryan), Courtney Murphey, Lauren Murphey, Chapman Murphey and Levi Murphey; three great-grandchildren, Tyler Brodie, Emma Grace Thigpen and Patrick Haye; a sister-in-law, Jane Strong (Gene) and a brother-in-law, Capt. USN (Ret.) Austin Chapman (Caroline).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Murphey, his brother, Jim Murphey (infant), and a daughter-in law, Amy Murphey.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Summerville Cemetery, with Rev. Steve Hartman officiating.
In lieu of pallbearers the family would like to thank Alex’s close friends: Mr. Harold Boardman, Judge Dudley Bowen, Mr. Joe Byrd and Mr. Oliver Owens; and very special cousins Dr. Peter B. Wright Jr., Mrs. Julianna Weeks and Mrs. Dorothy McLeod.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Augusta Amateur Radio Club or to the Medical College of Georgia section on diabetes.
A guestbook is available at www.thomaspoteet.com.