Page 44 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2019- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
2 2

Senior Senior Edgar Murphy

America’s

Hero and Mine

by Britney Sandefur

He is known to most people as construction of the Armed Forces Edgar was there when I accepted
General Edgar Murphy, yet I am lucky Guard and Reserve Center here in Christ and was baptized. He beamed
enough to get to call him Pops. I have Lubbock, a facility that bears his with pride as he watched me take
known Edgar most of my life. We name. these steps and continues to beam as
attend church together at Southcrest I strive to live my life for the Lord.
Baptist Church. He and my dad are Edgar grew up in Lubbock, Texas. He He inspires me through his walk as
long-time friends, and he is around graduated from Lubbock High School, a Christian. His grandparents loved
my family frequently. In recent years, then went to Texas Tech University to to share hugs, and this inspired him
Edgar and his wife, Ann, began asking earn his Bachelor of Science degree. to be a hugger as well. I can always
my sister and me to dog-sit whenever Edgar has always looked up to his count on a warm embrace from Pops
they went out of town, but we enjoy parents and grandparents. He grew anytime I see him.
joining them when they are in town as up in the Nazarene church, and his
well. Through rigorous dog walking, I father set a path for his family’s faith It is because of his outgoing and
got to know Edgar as more of a friend when he was baptized while Edgar genuine personality that I am also
and mentor than as a military hero. was in high school. His father taught motivated to be more outgoing and
him leadership and integrity. Pops genuine with the people whom I
During this past summer, my only later got into the tractor business with encounter each day. Through our
grandfather passed away from cancer. his father, working in this capacity visits, Edgar has told me about his
Although no one could fill the shoes until he sold it to his brother several experiences and how times have
of this incredible man, Edgar stepped years ago. It is his faith that has put changed. Our talks include the
in to help fill the hole in my heart. him where he is today - a successful changes in the music, clothing,
Edgar reminds me of my grandfather husband, father, grandfather, great- technology and morals of today’s
in many ways. My grandfather was a grandfather, military general, Baptist society. He shared that, when he
Major in the Air Force. He flew in 226 deacon and trustee of Wayland Baptist was growing up, he was able to go
combat missions and fought for our University. He learned about faith outside and play with his friends.
country until he retired and became a from his family and upbringing and His parents did not have to worry
lawyer in Gonzales, Texas. He worked believes faith is key to embracing about where he was because they
until the day he passed. the failures and successes in life. trusted that he was safe. Kids now
One of Pops’ favorite Bible verses is need to have cellular devices to be
I see the same spirit and passion for 2 Thessalonians 3:13: “As for you, tracked in an effort to protect them
people in Edgar Murphy. He first brothers, do not grow weary in doing from an increasingly dishonorable
enlisted in the Army just because it good.” world. When he was growing up,
felt right. Edgar retired as a Three everyone was short of money, so
Star General in the United States Pops has pushed me to be the person people didn’t realize they were
Army and also defended our country I am today and is very proud of the poor. It amazes him how expensive
with a lifetime of service. Even when work I have accomplished and will everything is now, including meals,
Pops was in the Reserves, he stayed accomplish. He feels strongly about cars and gas. However, with the bad
active and involved in his military helping others and believes I am a comes the good through technological
community. He was instrumental in strong advocate of his favorite Bible advancements in cars and cellular
obtaining the federal funding and verse through my own philanthropy. phones!

44 Lubbock Senior Link