Byron Allen Murphy, pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church, dies Oct. 20

Byron Allen Murphy — pastor of New Oak Grove Baptist Church, Piedmont — died Oct. 20. He was 71.

A native of Calhoun County, Murphy served at other churches over the years, including Mamre Baptist Church, Gadsden, and Noah Baptist Church, Centre. He also retired from the Anniston Fire Department and drove a dump truck for many years for S&G Trucking.

Murphy is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mildred; son, Geoffrey; daughter, Shelley; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.