Obituary of Joseph E. Murphy

With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Joseph Eli Murphy on April 17, 2024. It is without a doubt that he heard the words “well done, my good and faithful servant.” Joe was born September 15, 1942 in Columbia, South Carolina to Joseph Callie and Mamie Dinkins Murphy. He attended Columbia High school in which he excelled academically and athletically. Joe served his country in the National Guard for over a decade, he loved his gamecocks, gardening, woodworking, and enjoyed riding in the pontoon on the lake. He faithfully served his heavenly father as a member of Dunns Chapel Church, where he taught Sunday School, was a youth director, and was chairman of the board. He later served as a member of Westside Baptist Church, where he also taught Sunday School and was a Deacon. Joe was an entrepreneur. He had several businesses in West Columbia throughout the years most notably, Murphy’s Paint & Decorating and Floors By Design. Joe loved being a coach. He coached baseball from T-ball through high school for over twenty years.

What he truly loved most in this world was his family. He is survived by the love of his life and wife of a beautiful 61 year romance, Barbara Murphy. His children, Troy and Tracy Murphy, Matthew and Nicole Murphy and Rick and Mollie Anchia. His grandchildren and great grandchildren. Curtis and Ashley Murphy with Braelynn, Ellis, and Canon, Colby and Taylor Murphy with Caroline. Caleb and Brooke Murphy, Blake and Naomi Gantt, Emilie Gantt, Samuel Anchia, Isabelle Anchia, Levi Murphy and Luke Murphy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters and sister-in-laws, and his adoring daughter, Debbie Ann Murphy.

The family will receive friends for Visitation on Monday, April 22, 2024 from 2 - 4 pm at Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington, SC, followed by a graveside service officiated by Bobby Young, friend and coaching colleague at Westside Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend.

“No matter where I am, your spirit will be beside me, for I know that no matter what you will always be with me. “– E Reichenbach