Professor Clay Murphree, has been instructing funeral service science courses at DIFS for over five years. Clay Murphree graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service with his Associates of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service through the Distance Learning Program, while concurrently working with his local funeral homes. Clay received his Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Business Administration from Ottawa University and his Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness- emphasis on Grief and Bereavement from Grand Canyon University.
Clay’s love for the funeral industry began in high school, but at the time, his path led in different directions. The road that lead him to the funeral home has been long and winding through many job fields from Emergency Services working with Fire and EMS crews, 911 dispatching, then work in the oilfields of Texas but feels that funeral service is where he belongs. Clay feels that instructing new Funeral Directors and Embalmers is such a rewarding effort, knowing that he has a chance to help shape and mold those who wish to help others in their time of need.
Clay says, “I believe serving families in the roles of Funeral Director and Embalmer an honor certain people were born to do. It takes special people to work in the funeral service, and I am thankful to be one of the few who are able to serve those in their most trying times.”
Clay married his wife Michelle in 2006, and have four children and one grandchild.
In his spare time, Clay enjoys time with his family boating on the lake, camping, and keeping up with any type of mechanical work. Clay is also an avid Jeep enthusiast who enjoys spending time out on the trails, while managing a regional Jeep club helping with meets, charity events and instructing newer off-road enthusiasts. On top of handling multiple Embalming courses, Prof. Murphree also performs as a clinical preceptor through the funeral homes he works in. “Being able to help future Funeral Directors and Embalmers learn not only about the importance of our chosen careers, but how to thrive in this profession is an amazing thing, and the opportunity of a lifetime.” Professor Murphree currently instructs the majority of the Embalming curriculum at DIFS. On top of that he has. Previously instructed Embalming Chemistry and Restorative Art