We all miss Shawn and we think of the entire Murphy family on this difficult anniversary.  Only GOD can grant the peace to keep moving in life without your son. You are in our prayers and hope to see you both soon.

I can't believe I've just now learned of this. 

Shawn is indeed one of the most memorable people I have ever met in my life. 

We were classmates from very early on, from elementary school all the way through graduation from Walton High. I remember very little from my youth, but one of my most enduring memories from grade school is of Shawn's natural sense of humor and the way he made everyone laugh...it is something I will never forget. We were rarely in the same classes, but in the halls, cafeteria, recess, and other places he never failed to make everyone around him laugh like crazy. 

During our high school years, I came to view Shawn as one of the most generous and selfless people I had ever encountered. On one occasion, I happened to be looking at a tape of his by a band that we both liked, and when he realized I liked it, he just gave it to me without hesitation. Another time, I enthusiastically remarked about a giant poster he had on his wall, asking where he got it and where I might find one like it. He immediately took it down and gave it to me, no questions asked. I had never known anyone before that would give so freely, and have known few ever since.

Somehow - and I'm not sure why - despite sharing many interests such as music and UNC basketball, we never became close friends outside of such brief encounters. For some reason, it just didn't play out that way. I could always expect a friendly greeting, a laugh and a smile whenever I ran into Shawn, though, and I can remember just about every one of them.

That's the impression I'm left with...one of the funniest, kindest, and most generous people with whom I've crossed paths in this life, and I didn't even know him all that well. Surely that says something about the kind of person Shawn was.

I am deeply saddened to learn of this, and I can only imagine what the Murphy family must have endured during Shawn's illness and passing, the people that knew him best. I hope you each can take some comfort in the fact that Shawn made an enduring and indelible impression on people's lives. In my mind, his legacy is certainly one of laughter, kindness, and unconditional generosity.

When we're young we assume we have forever, and by the time we realize we don't, it is often too late. I'm sorry that I didn't take the time and have the sense to get to know you better, brother. I will regret that for the rest of my days.

Peace and blessings to the family.

JC and family...Not having known Shawn personally, I took the time to view all of the pictures included here, and read all of the many notes of sympathy...it is very obvious that he was a very generous and kind-hearted young man.  Being a parent of a son the same age, I cannot even begin to understand the grief and heartache that you and your family are going through.  I know that Irene missed living closer to your family while the boys were growing up, and when I heard that Shawn had passed away, I could not help but think about her and the fact that she was one of the ones there to greet him as he entered eternity, and that she would always be close by now and forever....I will continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers....and pray that God will grant you peace and understanding during this sad and difficult time...

Hoping that God's undying love, and the continued love and support from family and friends alike will help you cope during these difficult days. (1 John 4:8)

We will miss Shawn. He always did more for his customers than they ever expected. We'll always remember his generosity and kindness.
Jim and Claudette Martin, Marietta, GA

Shawn was such an amazing man and he will be greatly missed.  I looked forward to seeing him every Friday when he came to do our yard - he always had a smile and a quick comeback!  He always took such good care of us.  We send you our thoughts and prayers and hope that knowing how much Shawn was loved and how much he touched all our lives brings you some peace.

Jack, Carolyn and Ryan,   Shawn is such an inspiration to all of us. The battle he fought with such grace truly has made him the "Green Beret" of cancer survivors. He was such a sweet, kind young man. The world is less without Shawn but Heaven is definitely richer.  May God bless each of you and grant His grace to help you cope with this horrendous loss.

Shawn was a good friend all through our childhood. He is waiting at the Pearly Gates with his school mates, Johnny Hutton and Scott Stanich.  This has been a long 2 months for Walton's class of '89.  My thoughts go out to the Murphy family..

I am very sorry to learn this.  Although it has been many years since I have seen Shawn, we went through schools together in East Cobb, and he is a person that could never be forgotten.  Very sweet person with a great sense of humor!!  My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

My heart goes out to anyone who had a relationship with Shawn.  He was one of those guys who just made you feel good , no matter what your situation was. ( like his little brother) With losing his life to a battle , we know that he is no longer in pain , and can rest in peace.  Shawn will be missed but never ever forgotten.

Uncle JC, Aunt Carolyn, and Ryan, We are so sorry in the loss of Shawn.  We hate so much we couldn't be there to support you all.  We love you very much and pray for God to put his hands on all of you for healing!! Much Love!

Jack and Carolyn
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your son, we pray that God's Son will give you strength and comfort in this time.

Buck and Earline Bailey
Wake Forest, N.C.

Carolyn and Jack,
John and I are deeply saddened by the news of losing Shawn.  I prayed everyday for a miracle.  Now we pray for you to have strength and peace during this difficult time.
John and Bev Prendergast

JC, Carolyn and family, 
    Our love and prayers to you in the loss of Shawn.  May God wrap his loving arms around you in comfort.  We hope that the love and support of family and friends will give you strength.-Donna Moss and Carmen Lentz

I try, I try, but I fail,
fail to be any more than me,
to unveil and moor
a life I cannot see...
loneliness, standing silent.
There are fears in the night,
but so many stars in the heart.
The world decays,
and memories fade,
while hope is a hart...
troubles and sorrows are, too, life
eyes in the mirror, speak of despair,
hope stands at the edge, looking down,
the dark rocks below...
the pit, the pain, voices cruel,
falling rain, tears,
and burning fire,
desire, a desire to live and
a hand to hold.
Grace, in this raging sea
in this world, and in me...
a boy in a dark room, but...
is that a door?
And when face to face with God
not fear,
but joy...

Be at peace, Shawn. I will never forget you or what you brought into my life. I hope to one day see again that smiling face and hear the joy of your laughter once more...

Carolyn,JC and Family,

Words can not express our feelings for the loss of Shawn. Remember the great joy he brought to your lives and those around him.  He is with Nanny, Mike and other family members who will continue to share in the joy he provided on earth.  All our love.....

We want you to know we love you all.  Please take comfort that Our Lord will see you through these sad times and very soon the good times with Shawn will be your stronest memories.

Love Sandi Wofford and Debby Roszel

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Murphy,
I went to school with Shawn for many years in Marietta. From those years, most of the names and faces have disappeared from my memory. I could never forget Shawn. I didn't share with him the life I knew outside of school and he was kind enough not to ask. Shawn knew that anything he could have said to me would have been rewarded with enormous laughter and appreciation. Shawn never failed to try out a new joke with me or the funny voices he came up with that never got old. I have been searching for him on Facebook for years, but Sean vs Shawn held me back. This morning I found this article and it hit me like a ton of rocks. I have wanted to thank him for so long for giving me so much to look forward to everyday that I woke for school. I cannot do that with Shawn now, but I would love to tell you the many reasons how his unique brand of friendship provided a safe, warm, hysterical place for me to hide when life was unkind, even if only for a couple of periods of class. Shawn has always been and always will be a hero in my life. I look forward  to telling him all about it someday. Thank you both for the obvious love and guidance you provided to Shawn. He presented the gifts you gave to him to me in his own way. If the world was a better place with him in it just imagine what will it be like when we have an endless supply of his giant personality when we see him again. Thank you for the blessing of his life, Mr. & Mrs. Murphy. 
Very gratefully yours,
Gia Wagner

Shawn was a special person - We were neighbors till just a few months ago - I'd often "catch" him mowing my lawn, or blowing leaves off the driveway, just because...I tried to pay him...but he wouldn't take it...he just said he LOVED to be outside and taking care of the yard. As a single gal most of those years, he watched out for me...and I am truly grateful! - He was amazingly humble and caring...he will be missed!

Please accept my deepest condolences.
May God, "surround and comfort" you during this time of sorrow. (Psalm 71:21)

Jack and Carolyn, so sorry to hear about Shawn.  He was always a joy to be around and we're sure the man above has a special place for him.  Jean and I both were glad to have known him.  Hope to see you soon.

To the Murphy family,we are so sorry for your loss.Shawn was a very good friend and neighbor.We first met Shawn when he walked over to our house and started doing yard work(no charge).He would always do nice things for us.We loved having him over for cookouts.We will always remember the good times we had with him.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.                                       John and Kim Dicks

Jack, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some peace and strength in friends and family at this difficult time.  My prayers will be with you.  Sandy Ergle

Shawn was certainly one of the good guys!
Danny and Lana Bailey (Marietta, Ga)

Jack and the Murphy family,
My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. I hope that the wonderful memories that you share will prevail over the sorrow that you now feel. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with Shawn as well as all of you.

From one Dale Jr fan to another. Guess you have the best seat in the stands now. Will alway remember you,every time I look at a tree or bush in my yard.

Jack and Carolyn,
We share in the mourning of the loss of your son Shawn and may GOD grant you some peace in this difficult time. We love you both and are here for you.  Love, Gary & Gloria Lynn

OBITUARY

Shawn Murphy

May 16, 1970 – October 23, 2011

Sandy Springs Chapel

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