FRANKLIN - Sgt. John Wesley Murphy, 93, passed away Nov. 4, 2020. Born in Graham County, he was the son of late Merritt and Belle Pilkington Murphy.
John proudly served in the US Army 88th Blue Devil Division during 1945-1947 in World War II. He was a member Black Mountain Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and just being outside working.
John is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Vada Hodgins Murphy of Franklin, and daughters Peggy Murphy Ashe and Cory of Whittier, Terry Murphy Stamey and Dennis of Highlands, Judy Murphy Silverstein and David of Franklin, and Sylvia Murphy Sprinkle and Lamar, also of Franklin; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, all of Franklin.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Novella Murphy Sawyer, James “Arthur” Murphy, Odell Murphy, Burdell Murphy Brackett, Annie Mae Murphy Bradley, Frances Murphy Sanders, Paul Murphy, and Harold Murphy; and dearest friends Carl Prince, Theodore Chambers, and John McClure. He was survived by siblings, Vonore Murphy Carpenter, Phil Murphy, Glen Murphy, and Dorothy Jean Murphy Tilley; many nieces and nephews, a special brother-in-law Jack Hodgins and several hunting and fishing buddies.
A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Chapel of Bryant Grant Funeral Home. Visitation was from Noon to 1 p.m. prior to the service. Burial followed at Black Mountain Baptist Church in Franklin. Pallbearers were Lee Talley, William Shannon, Johnny Murphy, Lamon Brown, Rodney Cook and Jake Stamey
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Carolina State Veterans Home located 62 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC. 28711.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory will be serving the Murphy family. Condolences can be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com
