Michael George Murphy passed away on October, 30, 2018, surrounded by his wife and close family friends, after a long but valiant battle with colon cancer. Mike was born on November 29, 1943, in Parkersburg, to Donald and Ruth Emrick Murphy.
Mike was a well-known and loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to the Morgantown community. He spent many years as a local business owner, wine connoisseur, and a loyal Mountaineer. He was an amazing husband of 30 years to his wife, Debbie, his life-long love, partner, and friend.
Mike was also a loving and proud father to his wonderful daughter, Ann Marie Butler; grandfather to Mercedes, Cody, and Gracie; and great-grandfather to Carley.
Mike had a wonderful and supportive family that included his siblings, Joanna Ricky (Bill) that preceded him in death in September 2017. Brother, Jim Murphy (Lisa), of N.C.; sisters, Kay Hendricks (Eddie), of Chicago, and Donna Fredericks (Paul), of Springfield, Ohio.
Mike also enjoyed an extensive support system of nieces and nephews, especially his niece, Suzanne Brown, that helped and supported him in his final hours of need.
Mike was the kindest, patient, and most generous man. He was such a teacher of patience and hospitality to those that knew and loved him. He never made quick, unsupported, or spontaneous decisions.
Mike was an amazing self-taught chef, and awesome friend, and the most loyal husband ever. He had so many amazing experiences including a stent as a manager of a castle in Ireland. Mike served in the National Guard for eight years. He retired from Joe’s Globe Distributors after 32 years of service in 2013.
Mike’s talents of touching people and bringing human beings together for a great cause, such as wine tasting in his back yard, were never unappreciated. His gift of calmness and patience are a trait we all strive to have and his legacy is this…Live life to the fullest, drink good wine, be kind to people and love your family because no one will ever love you back the way your family will love you, except your friends and wife, they will always love you like family.
Just days before Mike’s passing he assured his friends that he would meet them in Heaven and, in fact, would beat them there. He loved God and his family and friends and is looking forward to seeing them again.
Per Mike’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held at Laurel Point United Methodist Church at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24. Friends and family are invited to share any memories or stories about Mike during the celebration. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road Morgantown, WV 26501.
Condolences: McCulla.com
