Obituaries

Gregory Scott Murtha

Photo of Gregory Scott Murtha
Gregory Scott Murtha, born April 25, 1965, has always made it his custom to say, "YES!" to Jesus. In 2012, he stepped up his game when he embraced an out of the blue, stage IV cancer diagnosis that took him on the adventure of a lifetime. June 22, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Greg "went skidding into heaven broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow! What a ride!'" as he was ushered into the presence of his Savior. Greg was welcomed into heaven by Jesus and his mother, Mallie Sheppard Murtha. In turn, Greg will also one day greet his wife, Tracey Caperton Murtha, his son, Jackson Murtha, father and step-mother, Glen and Vicki Murtha, sister, Kelli Murtha-Perry and brother, Zac Murtha as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and literally thousands of friends. Most recently, Greg served as the Chief Relationship Officer at iDonate, provider of digital fundraising solutions. Prior to that Greg helped Bob Buford build The Halftime Institute to guide high-capacity leaders to lives of significance. Early in his career, Greg worked in Nashville's music industry as well as in banking in Little Rock. Greg generously served on the boards of Leading with a Limp, Both Hands, Empart, USA and Way Forward. Miraculously, Greg's story Out of the Blue: The Unexpected Adventure of Life Interrupted (Clear Day, 8/17) – came to completion days before his parting. In the collective words of those who loved him, Greg was "a man with a smile that could light up a room. His generosity knew no bounds. Greg and Tracey would invite both strangers and friends into their home to ‘do life,' pushing farther and farther into the heart in a way that made people grateful for the intrusion. He had a penchant for asking the important questions and challenging others to think bigger than they ever dreamed possible. Greg spent the most difficult days of his life more concerned about the lives of others than he was about his own health; consequently, he showed us all how to finish well while pointing to his Savior." Greg said, "real faith in Jesus extends life dramatically…When I cease to live on this earth please do not say I 'lost the battle' to cancer'. That could not be further from the truth. No, when that time comes, when I make the transition, it will be a point in time when I have never been more fully alive." And to that, we who love him say, "YAY GOD!" For information about contributions on Greg's behalf and for updates on Greg's memorial celebration (everyone is welcome!), visit gregmurtha.com. Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of these arrangements.

Published June 28, 2017

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