John Earl Murphy

Born July 2, 1925, in Talking Rock, Pickens County, son of the late Elbert Carl Murphy and Laura Jane Hensley Murphy. Dad was a Navy veteran of World War II and proudly served in the Pacific Theater at both Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

After the war he moved to Cartersville where he was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber. Later employed by Georgia Institute of Genetics (GIG) working for Mr. Alphabet Collins where they raised hybrid cotton, wheat, and corn. He took great pride in the work that Mr. Collins did and for the contributions he made to agriculture in Bartow during those years and spent several of his last years to get Mr. Collins recognized for his efforts by North Highland’s College where today it stands on some of the GIG acreage where GIG did their work. In 1947 he met Bonnie Sue Dickson who became his life and his love. They were married in 1948. Starting in 1957 he ran an Amoco Gas station which was located at the corner of Highway 41 and Felton Road. In 1960 he went to work for Union Carbide where he worked until he retired in 1985.

A loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and friend who will be missed beyond words. Dad always had a project underway all his life. He never met a hammer or 2x4 that he could not put to use. If Daddy John built it, it was there to stay.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Eunice Stewart and Bernice Stafford and brother E.C. Murphy.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 67 years, Bonnie Sue Murphy; son Ronald Murphy; son Tony Murphy; daughter and son-in-law Linda and Andrew Ball; daughter and son-in-law Patsy and Jay Harreld; daughter Cathy Haddon; grandson Brice Harreld; and grandson Ben Murphy; grandson Tanner Haddon as well as many nieces and nephews who always held a special place in his heart. Not to be forgotten are the many little boys and girls through the years who were in “Miss Bonnie’s Day Care” who became a part of the family he loved.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 16, at 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Owen Funeral Home, Cartersville. Graveside service to take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Wednesday, February 17 at 3:00 pm with Rev. Ron Summey and Rev. Kenneth Summey officiating.

Please visit www.owenfunerals.com to leave condolences for the family.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA., has charge of the funeral arrangements..