Paul Allen Murphy

Paul was born in Fresno, California to the late Fred "Paul" Murphy and Jeanette Murphy. Paul's life was his family. He loved his wife Lisa for 43 years, a love that was unquestionable and unwavering. Paul's three children; Sean, Laurisa, and Ashley were his daily sunshine in his life, he worked hard to provide the best life possible for them. He received a bonus son Bryan in 2008. He was never a son-in-law, he called him his son. Bryan quickly learned the badgering traits of Paul and gave it right back, which Paul loved.

He became "Papa" in 2015, his entire world changed, never realizing his heart could grow even larger until he held Natalie, his first grandchild. He called his grandchildren and children sometimes five times a day on video chat to see their faces, talk, and tease with them, every day asking Natalie how her day at school was and if she told her friends her Papa was the "all Knower"; talking to Celina, his youngest granddaughter that is known as "Pistol Peanut" about how he would be visiting her in CO, and he was going to stay in her room; Allianna, he called her “Dooby Doer”, when she was with Papa, they would load up in his truck and he would take her to eat Mexican food which was her favorite. He had a special relationship and a special connection with each of his grandchildren that they will always cherish.

His nieces and nephews respected and loved him. They would listen to his lectures, and Lisa would remind the kids “he’s not yelling at you, just remember he talks loud and loves you very much”.

He saw life as positive, happy and the glass was always almost full, never half empty. His love for Jesus was expressed every day. He enjoyed listening to Pentecostal old time preachers on talk radio and Christian music. He was larger than life, never knew a stranger, and you would become a friend soon after meeting him.

He was a father figure to many, he would always provide advice whether they took it to heart or not. He would praise them for the good and in the moments when they messed up, he would provide advice on how to correct it. Those he impacted would call often just to talk.

Paul had a best friend for life in Kirk, They leaned on each other and lived life 46 years as best friends. Lisa never understood why they had to call each other four to five times a day to see what our weather was doing in South Carolina compared to California. If one of them had an ailment in their knee, the other replied how good his knee felt.

Paul had a love of Football, after moving to South Carolina in 1995 he started coaching youth recreational football. He was a tough coach but the boys knew it was him pushing them to be their best. He always instilled that quitting was never an option, you can overcome it and beat it.

John Wayne was his life of TV, he could recite the “Duke” in every movie since he would watch them on repeat for years. He loved him not just as an actor, but he valued his views on life and love of his Country. Paul was very patriotic and had a strong love for his Country, it would bring him to tears to see our nation disrespected in any way.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife Lisa Murphy of Easley, SC; son Sean Murphy of Pickens, SC; daughter Laurisa Ivery (Bryan) of Colorado Springs, CO; and daughter Ashley Murphy of Easley, SC; three granddaughters Natalie Renae Ivery, Allianna Sierra Murphy, Celina Jeanette Ivery; and his sister Tamara Yvonne Murphy of Easley, SC. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews to cherish his memory.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation for Paul will be held Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, South Carolina, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM. Paul will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park. To celebrate Paul’s life, the family has requested for attendees to wear colorful clothing for services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul’s honor can be made to either Wounded Warriors Project, email www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.