Clyde Barnes Murphy Sr. began his life's journey on January 24, 1943. He was the second of five boys born to the family of Edward and Maudeena Murphy who were living in Helena, Arkansas. Clyde received his formal education in three schools located in Phillips County. They were Beech Crest and Woodruff Elementary and Barton High School.

On October 11, 1963 he married the love of his life, Mary Bryant. The newlyweds chose to remain in West Helena to make their home and raise a family.  They shared in the birth of three children and in time the joys of welcoming spouses, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.

During his working career Clyde was well known for his dedicated service to his community and fellow man. He held several positions in the field of Law Enforcement. He began as a Police Officer and later Criminal Investigator with the West Helena Police Department. In time, Clyde accepted the position of Chief of Police with the Brinkley Police Department.  As a result, he and  his family moved to the Brinkley Community where they have remained. Clyde also served as Chief Deputy for the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.

Clyde, known as a man of faith, enjoyed serving in the church and sharing the gospel with others. For a time, he was Pastor of the Monroe Baptist Church and  currently an active member and pastor of the West Helena Baptist Church.  Through the years, he was called upon to serve as a interim Pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church.

Clyde enjoyed many different hobbies in life that included reading his bible and watching westerns. He loved spending time watching, reading, or collecting all things about American Eagles.  However, his best times were spent cooking and eating with family and friends.

Just two days before his 81st birthday, Clyde passed from this life into his eternal home. What a comfort for the family to know he was greeted by his loving Saviour and the family who were waiting for him there. Clyde was preceded by his parents, Edward M. and Maudeena Davis Murphy, his son, Clyde Barnes Murphy Jr., daughter, Carmen Martin, great granddaughter, Lydia Rose Martin, and brother, Olen Murphy.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Murphy, daughter, Rachel Foster and husband Chuck, brothers, Millard Murphy (Ann), Roy Murphy (Beverly), Joe Murphy (Stephanie) , grandchildren, Jordan Martin, Leah Williams, Savanna Singleton, Dillion Foster, Alyssa Bailey, Mary Beth Foster, Ryane Bumgarner and Nicholas Murphy, daughter in law, Stacey Murphy and eleven great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday January 26, 2024 from 12:00-1:00 at the Brinkley Convention Center with Services following at 1:00. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park in Barton Arkansas.