Murphy Jean Kanipe

Loving husband, father, brother, nephew, uncle, friend and member of the Oak Hill community Murphy Jean Kanipe, 61, of Morganton, North Carolina, fought the good fight and finished his race on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Born on Dec. 5, 1959, he was the middle child of the late Fred and Katie Sue Kanipe.

Murphy was a knight in a shining Carolina (Panthers and Tar Heels) shirt to wife of 30 years Corona Caldwell-Kanipe and beloved father to Rachel Caldwell, Margaret Kanipe and Steven Kanipe.

He graduated from Freedom High School in 1977.

Murphy made a career in the furniture industry at both Drexel Furniture and Baker Furniture before working for and retiring from Burke County Public Schools in 2012.

An avid sports enthusiast, Murphy shared his love of football and basketball with youngsters as a coach and mentor for Oak Hill Recreation as well as a basketball referee for more than15 years.

In addition to his immediate family, those left to cherish his memory include a brother, Frederick and his wife, Merrell “Doll” Kanipe; a sister, Stephanie McElrath; aunts Helen Ervin and Henrietta Howell; uncle Jason Ervin; mother-in-law Shelia Caldwell; father-in-law Steve Burgess and his wife, Sallie; sisters-in-law Stephanie, Tara and Joni; nieces and nephews Darren, Natalie, Adrienne, Tiffany, Brittany, Zana, Daqari, KeShawn, KeMora, Nakyla, Lyrik, Phillip, Josiah, Layla and Brandon; many other extended family members and friends, and his loyal dog, Cookie.

As family and friends say their final goodbye to Murphy, the family requests that guests wear their favorite sport’s team shirt.

Visitation will be Tuesday November 30 2021, 4PM-6PM at Kirksey Funeral Home 406 Lenoir Rd, Morganton, NC 28655

Service will be Wednesday December 1st, 2021, 11 AM at Kirksey Funeral Home 406 Lenoir Rd, Morganton, NC, 28655, Reverend Cardell Chambers Officiating

Burial will follow at Willow Tree A.M.E. Church of Morganton

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Freedom High School Men and Women’s Basketball teams.

The Kanipe Family has entrusted Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton with arrangements.