Reg Murphy, a distinguished journalist whose career spanned various major newspapers and was marked by a highly publicized kidnapping incident, passed away at the age of 90 on November 9. He spent his final years on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Born John Reginald “Reg” Murphy in Georgia, he initially reported on state politics for the Macon Telegraph. His career progressed as he took on roles at The Atlanta Constitution during the pivotal civil rights era. In 1975, he assumed the position of editor and publisher at the San Francisco Examiner, later taking on the role of publisher at the Baltimore Sun.

Colleagues recalled Murphy as an inspiring figure in journalism, known for his gentle demeanor and persuasive leadership style. Art Harris, a fellow reporter, noted that Murphy’s ability to empower others set him apart, allowing him to make tough decisions without raising his voice. His collaborative approach left a lasting impact on many in the industry.

Murphy’s career also included significant roles at the National Geographic Society, where he embraced new media technologies to broaden the organization’s reach and enhance its print and video offerings. His extensive reporting experience took him around the globe, covering diverse regions such as Russia, China, Japan, and the Middle East. Mercer University acknowledged his enduring influence on journalism, especially the essential role it plays in maintaining the health of communities and the nation.

In a 2023 interview with Mercer University, Murphy expressed his deep reverence for journalism, describing it as a “sacred trust” that holds the responsibility of conveying the truth while providing freedom for people to pursue it.

One of the most alarming episodes in Murphy’s life occurred in 1974 when he was kidnapped for a ransom of $700,000 by an individual professing to be part of a militia intent on silencing “the lying of leftist newspapers.” Fortunately, after two days, he was released in a motel parking lot, and his captor was apprehended shortly thereafter. The sentence for his kidnapper was a lengthy 40 years, although he served only nine before his release.

Murphy recounted the terrifying experience years later in Golf Digest, revealing how he was lured under the pretense of helping with a large donation of heating oil. He vividly recalled the moment he realized he was in danger, describing how his abductor threatened him with a firearm and bound him with tape. He endured hours of confinement, often reflecting on rounds of golf to manage his fear and claustrophobia.

Upon his eventual release, Murphy resumed his golf activities, even participating in a charity tournament two months later where he found himself the center of attention, signing autographs and posing for photos. His love for golf became a vital source of healing after the trauma of his kidnapping and he later became an enthusiastic volunteer with the United States Golf Association (USGA), eventually serving as its president in the mid-1990s.

Murphy was born to Mae and John Lee Murphy and maintained a strong bond with Mercer University, frequently expressing gratitude for the education and experience it provided in journalism. He served on the university’s Board of Trustees for five terms, and in recognition of his contributions, the Center for Collaborative Journalism was renamed the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism, solidifying his legacy in the field.