Thomas Douglas Hinkle-Murry

The Life & Times of                                                                                                                                                                                      Thomas Douglas Hinkle Murry

“Tommy”

On December 10, 1951, Timothy and Norma Hinkle Murry welcomed the birth of their son, Thomas Douglas Hinkle Murry. He was raised by his grandparents Willie and Ovesta Hinkle who were highly respected among friends and neighbors in Arkadelphia. They raised him in a Christian environment teaching him the biblical principle that; A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:1

“Tommy”, as he was often called was an active and lively child. Being the first-born grandson, his grandparents spoiled him. His grandfather Willie Hinkle, was a local contractor and a stalwart provider, giving Tommy the opportunity to enjoy the finer things that life offered. Tommy was eager to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, but his grandfather encouraged him to get an education and do something better.

He attended Greater Pleasant Hill with his grandparents and would spend every summer in Michigan with his mother. He made several friends in Michigan who knew him as “T-Bone” and eventually met Ida Mae Scott who would one day become his wife.

Tommy was a 1969 graduate of Peake High School. There he excelled as a student and showed tremendous enthusiasm in band. He played the drums for the Peake High School Marching Band. He made lasting friendships with other students, faculty and staff.  By far he was one of the most popular students that walked the halls of Peake High School.

He finally moved to Michigan and landed a job with Gordon Food Service as a credit analyst in the accounts receivable department. He loved his job and never missed one day in 30 years. He married his longtime girlfriend, Ida on June 19, 1973. They made their home in Grand Rapids and to this union two daughters were born, Kendra and Tonya. Ida passed on Thanksgiving Day in 1982 leaving Tommy to raise the girls, while filling the void of their mother. In the year 2000, he welcomed the birth of another daughter, Jordyn Jablonski. He was their biggest supporter and encourager. He loved his daughters and made many sacrifices to ensure that they had all they needed.

After retirement from Gordon Food Service, Tommy later returned to Arkadelphia to be closer to his family, friends and community which had first inspired him to seek out a well-rounded and fulfilling life. He reunited with Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and was an active member of both the Laymen Ministry and the Men of Faith Choir, as well as, reestablishing close ties to his family and friends. He was a member of the Souls Stars Motorcycle Club. Tommy loved to dress and was meticulous about his appearance when going out in public. He loved anything about Michigan, the Detroit Pistons, and the Detroit Lions. He was an excellent golfer and a lover of music.

On Tuesday, April 30, 2019, surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren he surrendered his soul. He was preceded in his passing by his beloved wife, Ida Mae Murry; his grandparents, Willie and Ovesta Hinkle; his parents, Timothy and Norma Murry; a sister, Julia Murry and a close friend, Joe Mosely.

He is survived by his daughters, Tonya Murry, Kendra Murry, and Jordyn Jablonski all of Grand Rapids, MI; five grandchildren, Janelle Murry, Ashley Murry, Amaya Wright, Markia Sterling and Jaizear Murry all of Grand Rapids, MI; two great-grandchildren, Trinity Murry and Nia Murry of Grand Rapids, MI; three sisters, Norma Faye Lank (Nate) of Chicago, IL, Rose Murry of Logansville, GA and Francine Newton (Mark) of Grand Rapids, MI; two brothers, Larry Murry of Arkadelphia and Randy Murry of Grand Rapids, MI; aunts,  Willie Hinkle-Ross (Roy) of Arkadelphia, Cassie Hinkle of Grand Rapids, MI, and Bobbie Hinkle-Trotter of Grand Rapids, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, his close friends, Lonnie McCaleb of Grand Rapids, MI, Arthur Frost of Grand Rapids, MI, Allen Govan of Grand Rapids, MI, Nate Jordan of Chicago, IL, Kenneth Taylor of Arkadelphia and Aubrey Hill of Hot Springs, AR, several other friends and the Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Family.

Services to celebrate his life will he held Sunday, May 5, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr. Cremation services are provided by Williams Funeral Home.

Memorial services in Grand Rapids, MI will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 60 Dennis Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 with Rev. C. B. Davenport, officiating.

Honorary Urn Bearers will be The Laymen Ministry of Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and the Soul Stars Motorcycle Club.