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George Michael Murphy
2020-07-03
George was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 11, 1930. He grew up in New York and Pinehurst NC. He attended High School at Brooklyn Prep and attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine, before volunteering for the draft in 1951 during the Korean War. George finished college under the GI Bill at the University of Miami (BBA) and Florida State University (MPA).
First and foremost, George loved his family. He adored his beautiful wife of 55 years, Bjorg Grosfjeld of Stavanger, Norway. George and Bjorg were married in Miami, FL in 1964 and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Together, they have four wonderful children: Karen Pellicore of Denver, CO (Rich); Leif Murphy of Nashville, TN (Paula); Niels Murphy of Jacksonville, FL (Lynne); and Daniel Murphy of Nashville, TN (Sara). George and Bjorg have 12 loving grandchildren ranging from 33 to 7 months old. The Murphy�s have been residents of Fernandina Beach for 39 years.
George had a distinguished career in law enforcement and corporate security. He served in federal, state and local law enforcement in progressively responsible positions including New York State Patrolman; New York State Trooper; Detective Sergeant, Metro Dade, Miami; and Supervisory U.S. Customs Special Agent.
George went on to work as the Administrator of the University of Georgia Institute of Government and Police Science Department, and then assumed the role of SE Region Administrator for the Department of Justice and LEAA.
From 1974 until 1984, George helped build the domestic and international security programs for IBM, pioneering programs in information security and then assumed the role as Head of Global Security for Mobil Corporation before retiring in 1995.
One of George�s favorite roles was his service as Chairman of the Golf Course Advisory Committee and president of the Fernandina Beach Men�s Golf Association where he built many lifelong friendships. While in his 70�s, George won overall club championships at both the Fernandina Beach Golf Club and the Golf Club of Amelia Island, scoring in the low 70s and well below his age.
George was happiest when surrounded by his family. The stories and adventures he shared will live on for generations to come! George is loved by his family and his many friends and will be celebrated and missed.
In lieu of any flowers which are prohibited under COVID-19, please consider making a donation to St. Michael�s Academy in George�s name.
http://smacad.org/support/
Due to Covid 19, services will be private and limited to immediate family only.
Memories
SCOTT LYNCH July 4, 2020
Aunt Bjorg, Karen, Leif, Niels, and Daniel,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your father lived the fullest of lives and he was full of life as well. He was always a good friend to the Lynch family and an amazing husband and father as well as a true �Uncle� to my siblings and I. In the days to come I know you will miss him but remember how proud each of you made him and the great impact he left on so many. God bless all of you during this difficult time.
KAY SPARKMAN July 4, 2020
Bjorg, My sympathy to you and your family.
MARTIN GUEVARA July 6, 2020
Dear Mrs. Bjorg Murphy,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss with the passing of Mr. George Murphy. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
LLOYD BASTIAN July 6, 2020
George was a wonderful friend and mentor for over 50 years. A great American and a patriot. Always a Gentleman.
RUSS OWENS July 7, 2020
Through Lloyd Bastian, I was introduced to George during the LEAA days and was eventually hired by George into the IBM Corporate Security Program. George was a great mentor and a significant contributor to the profession of the law enforcement community in both the public and private sector.
LIZ AND JIM JESSEE July 7, 2020
We were saddened to hear of George�s passing. I thoroughly enjoyed my professional security work with George. But one of our most pleasant memories is visiting George and Bjorg in Fernandina Beach and playing golf at the Golf Club. He leaves a wonderful family to whim he was dedicated, many professional associates and a large cadre of friends who will sincerely miss him.
ART AND RENE GOELLER July 8, 2020
Dear Bjorg,
We are so sorry for your loss. George was a wonderful man and one of the best in our industry. Our years in El Grupo together brings back many good memories..
COURTNEY THOMPSON July 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss! Enjoy our conversation at the restaurant. . Prayers for all of you!
TOM AND BARBARA ODEN July 12, 2020
George has been a good friend since Barbara and I moved to Amelia Island in 1994. We shared stories about our days with IBM in Europe and played a lot of golf at the GCAI. He was an excellent player who commanded a dependable draw. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
TRACEY LESHER LIMONE July 13, 2020
Dear Mrs Murphy , Karen , Leif , Neils and Danny. So sorry to hear about Mr Murphy. .i will always hold dear fond memories of him all those years in Paris and Fernandina ! Such a kind soul . the Lesher family sends it regards.