Arthur Andrews McMurray, Jr.

Obituary

Arthur Andrews McMurray, Jr. of Forsyth, GA passed away on May 16, 2026 at the age of 74 after a long battle with diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease. He was the first born son of Dr. Arthur A. McMurray, Sr. and Dorothy H. McMurray and was a cheerful child who liked to save things. His mother recalled that as a child he collected some rocks in his little red wagon and brought them to the house. Seeing nothing remarkable about the rocks, she toted them down the hill and tossed them. The next day, he retrieved the same rocks and brought them back again. This was the first indication of Arthur’s love of collecting things: coins, stamps, and books, plus items that might seem ordinary to others but were prized by him.

Arthur became a big brother to four siblings and grew to be a gentle husky guy who could hold down two brothers at once while wrestling. He liked board and card games, played little league baseball, enjoyed riding his bicycle and taking long walks. He attained the level of Eagle Scout along with two of his brothers before moving to Forsyth as a teenager. He excelled in school due to his curiosity and love of learning, but he worked at his own pace and would not be rushed. Physically big and a fast runner, Arthur uniquely ran cross country and played both sides as a football lineman in his senior year. Georgia Sports Hall of Famer Dan Pitts reportedly said at the time that Arthur was the strongest athlete he had ever coached.

He attended the University of Georgia and West Georgia College and received his B.A. degree with double majors in English and biology and double minors in chemistry and physics. Arthur had a firm work ethic, holding two jobs simultaneously for many years. He was a class 4 water/sewer plant operator for the City of Forsyth, and later for the Macon Water Authority, as well as a night auditor and desk clerk at a motel. He met his wife of 24 years, Peggy Monte Holmer, while both were working at the motel.

Arthur enjoyed being a father to Peggy’s children, Paul and Laura, and Poppy to Maggie and Abigail. He made friends easily and kept an optimistic attitude even when faced with the physical limitations associated with Parkinson’s. Arthur is survived by three brothers, Glenn, Scott (wife Debi), and Mark, one sister, Carol Stoltze (husband Barry), children Paul Holmer-Monte and Laura Hathaway (daughters Maggie and Abigail), uncle David Harmon (wife Eva), two nieces, two nephews, and many great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Arthur’s body was interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, TN.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service and celebration of his life which will be held on Saturday, October 24th, 2026 at 2 PM at Forsyth Presbyterian Church, where Arthur was a lifetime member. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the church would be appreciated. Forsyth Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 539, 63 North Jackson Street, Forsyth, GA 31029.

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