Ralph Leon Murphy Sr.

September 12, 1939 – June 11, 2023

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Ralph Leon Murphy, Sr., went home to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Ralph was born on September 12, 1939, in Parsons, West Virginia. His family moved to Akron, Ohio, when he was three years old. In 1963, he moved his family to Mesa, Arizona, where he resided until his passing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph J. and Mildred G. Murphy; sister, Janet Lujan, and brother-in-law, James Duke.

He is survived by his wife, of 65 years, Reba; daughter, Wendy Smart (Barry); sons, Ralph Jr. (Robin), and Donald (Marty).

He had five grandchildren: Courtney Alger (Jason), Ryan Smart, Clint Murphy (Courtney), Melissa Kulish (Adam), and Kristyna Murphy. He had seven great grandchildren: Dominic and Mattao Murphy, Brayden, Hudson, and Brinley Alger, Beckett and Grady Kulish. His sisters Roberta Duke (Bob) and Phyllis Duke, along with several nieces and nephews.

Ralph was self-employed for over 60 years.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great Grandfather (Great Papa).

He was an outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren as much as they loved spending time with him.

He was a devoted and faithful member of Desert Gateway Baptist Church, an usher, and enjoyed greeting people at the door as they entered.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Desert Gateway Baptist Church, 2175 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, Arizona, 85295.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ralph’s name to Desert Gateway Baptist Church, Missions Fund, Desert Gateway Baptist Church – Pointing Souls to Christ (mydgbc.org)