John W. Murphy, age 95, passed away on June 20, 2022 in New Bern, North Carolina where he had been living the last three years. John was born on May 22, 1927 in Bloomington, Indiana to the late Earl and Julia Murphy. As a young boy, his family moved to Detroit. He got his education through Henry Ford Trade School and put himself through Wayne State University School of Geology as a cab driver. On October 9, 1953 John married Dorothy, the love of his life, in Detroit, Michigan. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1945 -1947. After serving his country, John had a lucrative career as a draftsman in the automotive field which took him to several companies and countries over 40 some years. The most memorable was Ford Motor Company where he and his wife lived for five years in Japan while he worked on a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. This arrangement gave them the opportunity for extensive travel during that time to such areas including Europe, Australia and Asia. After retirement, John and Dorothy retired in the warm sunny state of Punta Gorda, Florida. John was always very active, he enjoyed golfing, playing tennis, bicycling and boating. He also, loved to take boat trips to the Bahamas with his friends. John was a wonderful man and a great story teller. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children: Cheryl (Jim) Furman, Teri (Rob) Gunn, Laura Hicks, Michael (Tammy) Murphy; grandchildren: Kelly (John) Lesnau-Rowe, Stephen (Megan) Lesnau, Daniel (Brandy) Gunn, Jason (Nichole) Furman, Kevin Furman, Mark Gunn; one step granddaughter: Donna Furman; 9 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jean O’Brien; step grandson, Jimmy Furman; wife, Dorothy Murphy; granddaughter, Shelby Gunn; and son-in-law, Harry Hicks. St. Jude’s or Shriners Children’s hospitals are suggested for those desiring to make memorial contributions in memory of John. Memorial service will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022 at 11am with one hour of visitation prior to the service at Hill Funeral Home – 11723 S. Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Inurnment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the Murphy family.
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