Russell Murphy Jr.

Before carving out his name as a master carpenter, Russell was a proud U.S. Navy firefighter who served on the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2), the first amphibious assault ship. On 17 April 1970, Iwo Jima was the flagship of Task Force 130 which waited for the Apollo 13 spaceship's astronauts after their memorable "successful failure" mission and splashdown near American Samoa and Russell was there.

Russell also served on the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), a Navy aircraft carrier. She was the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the eighth United States naval vessel to bear the name. Russell was on board when in December 1972, the United States resumed bombing campaigns above the 20th parallel. The Enterprise reseeded the mine fields in Haiphong harbor. Months later after the conclusion of the Vietnam conflict, Russell and crewmates on the Enterprise assisted in the removal of mines from several of the harbors.

Russell was a gifted craftsman. Though he was primarily a carpenter, Russell could build a house from the ground up and could fix just about anything.

Russell is survived by his son Dakota Murphy (Destini); eight grandchildren Adisyn, Andrew, Ava, Alston, Dakota Jr, Georgia, Bronwen, and Rowan; brothers Patrick and Hillrey Murphy; many well-loved extended family members; and a host of friends.

Russell was proud to share his birthday with his youngest daughter, Rachael, who gained her wings just hours before her dad. Sadly his father, Russell Murphy Sr., joined them in Heaven on January 27. They will all be celebrated together on February 6, 2021 at 1pm at Memphis Memory Gardens in Memphis, Tennessee.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.GrossFuneralHome.com