Mr. Paul Junior Murphy, 66 of Charlotte, NC passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023 at his residence. Celebration of his life will be held Friday, December 8, 2023 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3301 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC .Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Military Rites and Interment will be in the Gethsemane Memorial Gardens 1504 Sugar Creek Rd. West Charlotte, NC 28269. MASKS ARE REQUIRED and all parking should be at 3400 Beatties Ford Rd. Public viewing Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Long & Son from 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Junior Murphy, 66, died on November 30, 2023, at his home in Charlotte, NC. Paul was born on September 24, 1957, to the late Zonnie Mae Murphy and Eddie Newkirk of Burgaw, NC.
He was a graduate of Atkinson High School, Class of 1975. His post-secondary education included a bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University, and master degrees from Emory Riddle University in Aeronautical Engineering and Golden Gate University in Communications. His exemplary military career began on June 25, 1979, after being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, US Air Force (USAF) ROTC Detachment 607, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC. He passionately served our country for 23 years as a Manpower Specialist and an Air Battle Manager. Paul’s active duty military career culminated as Commander of the USAF ROTC Detachment 607, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC. Upon retirement from the United States Air Force, Paul continued his service to the military as a USAF ROTC instructor for 10 years at Crest High School, Shelby, NC.
His military career allowed him to travel all over the world to include Korea, Germany, Kuwait and several assignments within the United States. As a decorated serviceman, Lieutenant Colonel Murphy received the Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak leaf Clusters, National Defense Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Overseas Short Tour Ribbon, Southwest Asia Medal with I Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Training Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Organizational Excellence with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
Paul, a generous, warm and caring person, always gave a helping hand. He was kind, sincere and graciously shared a bubbly smile. He was passionate about many things, but none surpassed his love for God, his family, friends, and farming. Paul started serving God at an early age and continued his relationship with God at each military assignment. When he relocated to Charlotte, Paul joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where he maintained his membership until his death. A loving husband of 37 years, Paul cherished his wife and celebrated her accomplishments. As a hands-on Dad, he would often be seen working with the Boy Scouts wherein he mentored his oldest son to the rank of Eagle Scout. He spent many Friday nights at football games as well as numerous activities with his sons.
As a farmer, Paul was prudent, innovative and consistently on the cutting edge of agriculture. He was keenly aware of both the professional and business aspects of farming to include Ag. Finance, forecasting, commodities, and the stock market. Despite the farming challenges, especially for the Black farmers, Paul’s love of the land and farming endured and was reflected in his “never give up attitude”. He enjoyed sports and attended football games at Fayetteville State University and at Ohio State University, where his sons are involved.
Paul was affiliated with various organizations and he served his communities for many years. He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Theta Theta Lambda Chapter Ramstein, Germany.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lethea Bland; grandfather, Edmund Bland and sister, Mabel McNeil.
His memory is cherished by his wife, Major Hattie L. Walker, USAF; two sons Paul Alexander Murphy (Monique), Moncks Corner, SC; Nicholas Logan Murphy, Columbus, Ohio; nephew Eric Murphy, Glen Burnie, MD; special niece Alana Bethea and goddaughter Monica Burns both of Houston, TX; endearing cousins Andrew Murphy and Emily Jones, Burgaw, NC and Valdine Murphy, Fort Washington, MD.
Brothers-in-law: John McNeil, Burgaw, NC; James Walker, Jr. (Janice), Pinewood, SC; Captain Marvin T. Walker, US Army, Atlanta, GA; Rev Jermaine H. Walker, Pinewood, SC; Sisters-in-law: Captain Persephone E. Walker, US Army, Pinewood, SC; Jeannetta W. Scott (Rev Otis), Columbia, SC; Lt Col Joyce W. Burns, US Army (Daniel), and Staff Sergeant Lana W. Bethea, US Army both of Houston, TX. Special friends: Juanita Womack, Warner Robins, GA; Parthenia Satterwhite, Columbia, SC; and Rev Jordan Boyd. Charlotte, NC. A host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
“Tenderly we treasure the past, with memories that will always last ”.
