Dr. Garland "Doty" Murphy III
He was not like other men. More pointedly, not enough men are like him.
Last week, November 5, 2021, Dr. Doty Murphy died, and the world is far poorer for his absence. I wrote this tribute, which was read today at his funeral by his son Land:
I first met Dr. Murphy thirty-three years ago when I was an 18 year old college freshman, one of oh so many reasons he has always been and will always be "Dr. Murphy" and never, ever "Doty". Even just writing out that name feels wrong.
I met Dr. Murphy because of Christina. A year later, as is true for so many others, he saved my life. In my case that was physical, but for many others it was spiritual. He was a physician who loved the Great Physician, boldly proclaiming the Cross of Christ throughout his life and across the world. He loved many who were unlovable, and in time, many of them loved him back.
Friends' fathers, especially female friends' fathers, are frequently imposing. Few, if any, are inspiring. Dr. Murphy was both. He was larger than life. He staked out bold positions, on matters of principle and in defense of "the least of these". Nor were these the foolhardy dogmatics of one who has not counted the cost, but rather the determined, self-sacrificing stands of one ready to pay the price.
He was a hero.
He was brilliant, not just as an intellect but also as a teacher. He lived what he taught, much better than most. He was also man enough to admit he was wrong, and to take forceful action to rectify that wrong, once he realized he had in fact been wrong.
He was not often wrong.
Dr. Murphy inspired not merely friends but a following. He inspired passionate dedication in them, toward Christ and toward causes great and small, as well as true and deep devotion toward himself. In doing so he also inspired a searing, passionate hate from his foes, the signature polarity that accompanies the truly great. At times he suffered at their hands, but never once was he unnerved by their scorn.
He was not like other men. More pointedly, not enough men are like him.
I wish I were more like him. Someday perhaps I will be.
I loved him.