Rhett Spencer McMurray

On November 16, 2023, Rhett Spencer McMurray passed away peacefully at Piedmont Hospital after a short illness. Funeral Services will be held at East Juliette Baptist Church on Sunday November 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to service with burial immediately following the service at East Juliette Baptist Church Cemetery. Rhett was born April 17, 1940. He attended Jones County High School. After high school, he joined the Navy, serving for four years. After his miliary service, he volunteered with the Navigators, a Christian organization. He then relocated to Dallas, Texas where he went to nursing school and earned his Batchelor of Science degree in nursing at Baylor University in 1973. In 1974, he joined the U.S. Public Health Service in Chicago, Kansas City, Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. In 1975, Rhett earned his Master of Science degree in nursing. He later joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves, serving for five years. He concluded his career at the CDC working in breast and cervical cancer during his last two years of duty. Some of his many assignments included family planning, home health, and recruiting doctors and nurses. He was a member of the National Division of Nursing in Washington, D.C. and was a state nurse consultant in breast and cervical cancer.

When he retired in 1994, he had many unique opportunities, such as volunteering at the base pharmacy at Robins Air Force Base and coordinating homecomings at his residence in East Juliette. He was a volunteer for the Backlot players of Forsyth. He enjoyed playing the piano and spending time with his family.

Rhett also enjoyed spending time with friends and entertaining. He was famous for his chocolate cake, which he shared with everyone. This special treat he surely enjoyed.

Rhett was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Brown McMurray; three brothers, Billy, Lindsey, and Kenneth McMurray; one sister, Betty McMurray Mercer; his brothers-in-law, Clarence Harris and William Mercer; and his very dear friend, Charlene Monroe.

Rhett is survived by his only sister Susie McMurray Harris, numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends, and his very special Aunt, Vivian Youghn.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Juliette Baptist Church, 183 J.H. Aldredge Dr., Juliette, GA 31046.

 Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 West Main Street, Forsyth, GA 31029 has charge of arrangements.