Elder John Wesley Murphy

Obituary For Elder John Wesley Murphy

Elder John Wesley Murphy, Sr. 85, departed this life on December 22, 2025, at The Presbyterian Home in Quitman, Georgia. He was born the fifth of twelve children to Eddie Lee Murphy, Sr. and Rosa Lee Williams Murphy on November 2, 1940, in Brooks County, Georgia.

Educated in the Brooks County School System, John graduated from Brooks County Training School in May of 1960. In the fall, he attended Fort Valley State College. He returned home in December and married his sweetheart, Louise Smith, on December 24, 1960. To this union, six children were born. The eldest child born in 1961, John Wesley Murphy, Jr., lived only one day. Tammie was born in 1962, Barbara in 1965, and Margaret in 1969. Three girls were born in the 60’s, but he had no son to carry on the Murphy name. Finally, in 1972, the Lord blessed him with the son he had been praying for, John V., and then son, Dexter, in 1978.

John was groomed by his father and older brothers to become a farmer. As a child, he assumed great responsibilities from an early age. His brother, Clarence, taught him how to plow and plant a variety of crops.

When his dad employed workers, he served as the field manager in charge of production, allowing his dad to know the appropriate amount to pay each worker. Thus, his passion for farming was ignited.

Farming is a hard life, lots of work, and little reward. His passion for planting and growing a variety of crops was his gift. He taught hundreds of children how to work. He worked at Metal Products and farmed for a brief while. Finally, he began working in the greens industry with Zackary Martin, where he obtained the skill set to start his own business, Georgia Produce. He transported greens to various South Florida vendors and grocery stores for over 42 years.

After dedicating his life to Christ, he worked diligently in many capacities. John became a deacon, chairman deacon, minister, elder, pastor, union director, and Superintendent for the Cairo/Ashburn District.

Upon his health decline, he retired from his roles and fellowshipped with the Oracles of Deliverance Church, Pastor Marilyn Thomas; Summer Hill Baptist Church, Pastor Margaret Grisson; Sweetfield Missionary Baptist Church, Reverend James Thompson; and the House of God, Elder Gloria Moore Wright.

John was a man of quiet strength, deep compassion, and unwavering love. As a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, or friend, he gave to those he loved. His presence brought comfort and wisdom to the lives he touched. Even in his failing days, so many of the nursing home residents spoke of his kindness and enjoyed his encouragement through song.

Elder John W. Murphy, Sr. was preceded in death by his loving wife, Louise Smith Murphy; two children, John W. Murphy, Jr. and Barbara Lewis; and a grandson, Alex Dion Grisson. He leaves his children to cherish his memories: Tammie (Kenneth) Sumter, Barbara (deceased), (Johnny) Lewis, Margaret (Allen) Grisson, John V. (Jacqueline) Murphy, and Dexter Murphy. His siblings: Eddie Lee (deceased) (Allegra) Murphy; James Clarence (Thelma) Murphy, both deceased; Jimmy (Martha) Murphy, both deceased; Loretta (John) Zachery, both deceased; Annie (James Paul-deceased) Jackson, Walter (Vernestine) Murphy, Charles (Marlene) Murphy, Margaret (Robert-deceased) Bethune, Linda (Bobby) Owensby, Janice (Samuel-deceased) Jones, and Carolyn Murphy. One loving sister-in-law, Ethel Smith. In-laws preceding him in death are: Eliza (Hubert) Hill, Victoria (J.W.) Copeland, Ruby (Joe) Hatten, Essie Mae (Herbert) Wilson, Arthur (Jane) Parson, Florie (Paul) Miles, Lorene (Jimmy) Alexander, Inez (Eugene) Hall, Melvin (Daisy) Smith, Willie Mae Denson, and Myrtice (LaVester) James. Eighteen grandchildren: Johnny Lewis, Jr., Jarvis Lewis, Jerrick Lewis, Marcus Grisson, Allison (Travell) Simmons, Alicia Grisson, Tashira Hampton Collins, James (Rokia) Hampton, Shaquandra Stepter, Jerrod Hampton, Amanda White, De’osha Hampton, Jamari Hampton, Shiaan Ingram, John V. Murphy, Jr., Dexter V. Murphy, Jahiem Richardson, and Katlin Pinder. Nineteen great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.

Home going services will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 3PM at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jerry Alexander, officiating. Burial will follow in Eternal Rest Cemetery (Murphy Family Cemetery). Visit this website to view a live-stream of the celebration.

Continue to keep the Murphy Family in your thoughts and prayers.