Mr. Murphy VanWright's Obituary
Murphy VanWright was born April 17, 1922, in Grand Prairie, Louisiana, to Joseph VanWright and Edmayer (Thomas) VanWright. He completed his earthly labors on December 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
The third oldest of nine children, Murphy was affectionately known as “Nan” by family and childhood friends, a nickname given by his grandfather that stayed with him throughout his life. The VanWright family later moved to Opelousas, Louisiana. In the mid to late 1940s, Murphy joined his brother Bill in Port Arthur, Texas, and around 1950 he settled in Houston, where he made his home.
He married MaeDella George, and together they raised four sons: Gregory, Grady, Darryl, and Kelvin. Murphy worked for the City of Houston for more than thirty years, retiring with distinction as one of the city’s first Black foremen. Upon his retirement, the City honored him with a proclamation declaring Murphy VanWright Day.
MaeDella preceded him in death in February 2006, and his son Darryl passed in March 2003.
Murphy is survived by his sons Gregory VanWright, Grady VanWright, and Kelvin (Angela) VanWright; his brother Stafford VanWright; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.
He lived a life of honest work, quiet faith, and deep devotion to family. We trust that he now rests in God’s care, having finished his race and kept the faith.
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