Joseph Murphy

Obituary For Joseph Murphy

Joseph “J.C.” Cornelius Murphy was born on January 16, 1943, in Mason, Tennessee, to proud parents, Mary Clara Maxwell and Charles James Murphy. On September 20, 2025, the angel of peace called Joseph to his eternal resting place, and he died after a long illness; he was 82. Joseph, affectionately known as “J.C.,” was raised by his grandparents, who lived in Mason and picked cotton for a living. J.C. was a serious and obedient youngster, who developed his work ethic early, picking cotton in the fields alongside his grandfather. J.C. was a good student and was class president during his senior year at Gailor High School, graduating in 1961. After high school, Joseph enrolled in community college and attended for two years, but his need to expand his horizons beckoned, and he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During the Vietnam era, Joseph was stationed in South Korea. He graduated with honors from the Eighth Infantry Division of the Airborne School. J.C. was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of sergeant.

After his discharge, J.C. landed a job at the National Bedding Company, making box spring mattresses and worked there several years, but sprinkler systems would eventually be his calling. Joseph often bragged about operating the sprinkler system used by the Pyramid in downtown Memphis. His employer was Texas Automatic Sprinklers. After soaking up all that there was to be learned at the company, J.C. created the Alpha Fire Protection Design Company in 1989. Along his successful journey in business, he hired and trained many employees, creating a long-standing relationship with the business world that used his services. In April 2007, Joseph discontinued his company after having a stroke and he was unable to return to the job he loved. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in Mason. In 1971, he joined Friendship Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W. A. Suggs, where he was an usher. He later joined Whitehaven United Pentecostal Church, remaining a member until his passing. When J.C. wasn’t working, he enjoyed playing cards with friends and family gatherings. And he loved his sports teams, the Memphis Grizzlies, the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers. He also loved to fish and would spend hours on the creek bank planning and thinking about life and his next business move.

Joseph was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Clara Maxwell; his father, Charles James Murphy; a stepfather, Walker Harris; a sister, Verzell Maxwell Taylor; three aunts, Mattie Mae Mitchell, Ruthie Mae Jackson, and Willine Randall; and three uncles, Doyle Maxwell, Ellis Maxwell and Joseph Maxwell Sr.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his beloved son, Joseph Cornelius Murphy, II, a dear friend, Gloria Murphy, both of Memphis and a host of cousins, friends and business associates to mourn his passing.

The family will receive friends Monday, October 6, 2025 from 9:00am-10:55am with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00am both will be held at RS Lewis & Sons 3651 Austin Peay Hwy, Memphis, TN 38127

Internment will be in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125

Send flowers to the service of Joseph Murphy