Samuel Earl Murphy

Earl Murphy, April 3, 1943 -November 23, 2024

It has been said that “Music is the tool to express life and all that makes a difference”.

When Samuel Earl Murphy was born April 3, 1943, to Margaret Jane Overstreet Murphy and Fountain Park Murphy, he was destined to lead a life saturated with music.  Being a band director and educator for forty-two years was a part of that.

His life began in East Brewton, Alabama.  He moved through Alabama, Florida, Georgia, finally arriving in Sanford, North Carolina.

The other portion of music was that Earl served as Choir Director at Shallow Well Church for 39 years.  He served in many areas at Shallow Well namely Deacon, Acolyte Committee, Missions Committee and Pastoral Search Committee.

Earl had a passion for and strong commitment to Outreach Mission, Inc.  He had served on the Board of Directors for almost a decade.  He was President for five years, with the Board receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Award.  Current OMI President Hamer Carter said of Earl: “He volunteered to work days, nights and week-ends.  That set the example of service that still guides OMI.  His efforts laid the groundwork for construction of the new Samuel J. Wornom-SECU Community Shelter.  Earl lived the OMI Mission of Matthew 25:40”.

Earl is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joy Phillips Murphy; sister, Sue Murphy Benvenutti of Gulf Breeze, Florida; sister-in-law, Judy Phillips Billings (Rick); nieces and nephews, Josh Billings (Ann), Adam Billings (Laurel), Susan Docherty (Jim) and Stan Benvenutti (Mary Ann).  He is also survived by many precious great-nieces and great-nephews he adored: Finley, Addie, Camden, Faith, Mattie, Gene, Maggie, Richard, Reagan and Kendall.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter and a son, C. Laurence Murphy.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Shallow Well Church with Dr. Eric Burmahl, Rev. Donnie Thompson, Rev. George Akers and Rev. Laverne Kinney.  There will be no visitation but friends are welcome to visit at the family home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Outreach Mission, Inc. or Sanford Lee County Stroke Support in care of The Enrichment Center of Lee County.

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