Born into humble circumstances in rural Georgia during the depths of the Great Depression, John Reginald "Reg" Murphy would go on to lead a long life of success, achievement, and acclaim of which most could only dream. Blessed with curiosity, drive, and natural intelligence tempered by common sense and the modesty of a Southern gentleman, during his career Murphy became a noted journalist and media executive, a staunch advocate for progress and civil rights in the South, a successful businessman, and with his wife, Diana, a generous supporter of worthy causes, the latter recognized by a lengthy list of honors and accolades received over the course of a long and productive life. Beginning his education at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, Murphy chose journalism as a career, first with The Macon Telegraph and News, then The Atlanta Constitution, the San Francisco Examiner, and The Baltimore Sun in positions of increasing responsibility and prominence. He would later serve as president of the United States Golf Association (USGA) as well as president and chief executive of the National Geographic Society. During his career Murphy was kidnapped and held for ransom by a domestic terrorist, narrowly escaped being shot during an assassination attempt on President Gerald Ford, and suffered the shootings of his newspaper's reporter and photographer in the Jonestown Massacre. Traveling the world, Murphy interacted with seven American presidents from John F. Kennedy to George H.W. Bush. Remaining active until the end, Murphy passed away peacefully at age ninety in November 2024.