Lamar loved reading the obituaries each day and really got a chuckle out of some interesting tributes, so we threw away his boring one and replaced it with our summary of his life.

Visitation will be Thursday August 1, 2024 from 11 AM until services at 2 PM at Centenary UMC.  Rev. Vicki Watkins Landrum will officiate and burial will be in Hollywood cemetery. Hartman-Jones Funeral Home of McComb is in charge of arrangements.

Lamar was born in Amite, LA to Audrey and Lanny Murrell on April 25, 1957. He was third in line after his two sisters, Lana (Glenn), and Marsha, and was a big brother to Wayne (Jamie), whom he fondly remembered locking in the trunk car of his parents new car.

He had great memories growing up in Amite and told countless stories of the good times, especially at Springview Country Club. Lamar was an avid golfer and LSU athletics fanatic, following in his parents footsteps. His athletic talents were not limited to golf. He often reminded us that he was the 8th grade free throw shooting champion and went by his basketball nickname "Kareem Abdul Lamar" while playing around the world and 21 with his kids and grandkids.

He had many great memories at Springview, but the best one was when he received a sign from the Lord that he was to marry his sweetheart Betsy after he sank a hole in one.  That was the first of four hole in ones. Betsy and Lamar met at LSU on a blind date and fell in love. They married and after a few years moved to McComb to purchase Selman's Jewelers in 1985. Lamar created a legacy with honesty, professionalism, and kindness that he shared with all of the customers that entered Selman's.

A love of learning and always staying up to date in the industry was top priority for Lamar. As a third generation jeweler, he earned his Graduate Gemologist from Gemological Institute of America, was an American Gem Society Certified Appraiser, and served as President of MS Jewelers Association, all of which are prestigious designations in the jewelry industry.

He coined himself "Dr. Romance" and was told on a regular basis to keep his day job rather than sing in the commercials he cut for radio ads. The husband and wife dream team worked together until they retired in 2023 and sold the business to their daughter.

For seven years he proudly served on the board of Pike National Bank, was a 28 year member of Rotary Club and was a devoted member of Centenary UMC where he sang in the choir and served on countless committees. He was so proud of his family and was an outstanding P Paw to his four grandchildren.

He is preceded by his parents, and a brother in-law, Mark Lewis.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Betsy Morris Murrell, his son Kyle (Amy), daughter Kristin (Landon), grandchildren Alden, Ames, Davis and Eloise, his siblings, brother and sister in-law Arthur and Lori Morris and a community of friends.

He fought a courageous battle against cancer for six years seldom complaining and always had a contagious smile. His witty sense of humor and positive approach on daily life impacted many lives.

Pallbearers will be Neel Gibson, Keith Rayborn, Phillip Carter, Chris Richardson, Ashton Smith and Charlie Ford.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Saturday morning Golf and Thursday morning Coffee group.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Becky Morgan Camp Sunshine Foundation or Centenary UMC. P.O. BOX 1704 McComb, MS 39649