John Barry Murphy
April 27, 1932 ~ August 11, 2016
John Barry Murphy, Colonel USAFR (Ret.), age 84, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2016. Born on April 27, 1932, he was raised in Rocky Mount, NC and he was the last surviving child of late James Leo Murphy and Helen Keeley Murphy.
Mr. Murphy graduated from NC State University, Raleigh, NC with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served 30 years in the US Air Force/Air National Guard. During these years, he flew top of the line fighter aircraft, including the F-86, F-100 and F-105s, with over 6,000 hours, mostly in single seat aircraft (jets). He was happiest when he was airborne. Mr. Murphy was an aircraft maintenance officer/director until his retirement from the military. He was a devout Catholic and he lived a full and active life.
Mr. Murphy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Catherine; daughter, Deborah and husband, Mike; son, John and wife, Jan; son, Michael and wife, Susan; daughter, Judy and husband, Jeff; and daughter Mary Lou and husband, Gary. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; 12 nieces and nephews and their families.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 331 Hammond Street, Rocky Mount, with the Father Tim Meares officiating. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Pineview Cemetery following the Mass. The family will receive friends and relatives on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 8/18, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Service
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
331 Hammond Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Friday 8/19, 10:30 am
Cemetery
Pineview Cemetery
761 N. Raleigh Road
Rocky Mount, NC 27801
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
To Dot and Murphy Family, Barbara and I are saddened to learn of John’s passing. We served together for many years and I always had the utmost respect for his flying ability and his strong sense of Patriotism. He was a person who expected excellence In everyone who worked for him and demanded the best in aircraft maintenance. The book he published was a testament to his ability as a safe pilot. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Brig. Gen. & Mrs. Robert S. Dutko, SR., USAF Retired.
Lit a candle in memory of John Barry Murphy
A good friend told me this after you passed, we truly have to enjoy each and everyday as if tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to anyone of us…but in the end, God ultimately has a plan for each of us. Truer words can not be spoken. Rest easy now Col. John B. Murphy. Your time here on earth maybe gone, but your stories will be with us forever! God Speed Sir, I’m proud to have called you Dad. Gary Przewoznik (son-in-law)
Dot and Murphy Family Besides having a great military career, John also had a great following in the General Aviation Community. I will miss the many flights we made from Venice to Winterhaven for lunch with you and John. His stories from flying F-100’s in Europe, to C-97’s, and back to fighters at my old outfit,the NJANG are legendary. Although we served at different times,we discovered we shared many of the same friends. You will be missed by all. God Bless. Russ Smith
Dear Dot, We wish there were magic words we could say to ease your pain. Only time heals and knowing John is in a better place helps ease the pain. We are here for you whatever you need. John was our friend for so long we will miss him and all the stories and times we shared. We love you!!! To all of Johns family, We are sorry for your loss. John will be remembered by many. May he rest in peace. Billy and Kim McDaniel
Col. John Murphy, my best friend. John was a man who was born to fly. He lived his life to the fullest doing what he most loved. He served in the air force and was a man of integrity, principles, dedication and was well respected. We have known John for many years and have so much in common and have many experiences and great memories together. He truly was my best friend. He is no longer with us now because the Good Lord has summoned him to a higher calling. He has now been awarded his ultimate wings. Sadly he will be missed but not forgotten. His legacy will speak for itself. Our condolences to the family and please say a prayer for Dottie. WHEELS UP AND TALLY HO Frank and Peggy Mijares
I’m sharing this post for my Dad’s true love, Dot Murphy To the memory of the love of my life – barrel rolls into the sun, high speed passes, and inverted flight, energy maneuverability and the pipper dead on. You were truly happiest when you were airborne. Blue skies and tailwinds as you head West, my love. Dorothy
I served with John for many years. He was a gifted pilot and Maintenance Officer and a great patriot. I spent time with him in various places around the world and you could always count on him to be there for you when the chips were down.; He was outspoken, brash and had a great sense of humor. John even though we haven’t seen much of each other since we retired, my memories of you are as fresh as if they happened yesterday. I will always remember you and your wry smile. I salute you my friend. God Bless You Bob Paschon
On behalf of the Mangano Family, we like to send our condolences to the Murphy Family. I remember the parties at the Murphy House back in the 70’s, and going on boat rides and having fun and listening to Col. Murphy’s pilot stories. Those memories are still very fresh in my mind some 40+ years later. I always remember that stoic look Col Murphy had, then he’d crack a smile that could light up a room. Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds – and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence. Hovering there I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious burning blue I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, where never lark, or even eagle, flew; and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod the high untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God. High Flight By John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Our condolences to all the Murphy Family, who have been our neighbors and friends for the past forty five years. John’s stories about flying, family and his military career come to mind during the many gatherings we have all had over the years together. Although disciplined and very stubborn, those that knew an loved him saw the soft side of John that was rarely seen. We will miss him and his soft smile. Rest in peace and FLY high our dear friend, until we meet again. Love The Kessinger Family Roger, Rosemary, Kevin & Karen
Col. Murphy lived his life to the fullest. he wanted it that way. His military achievements were outstanding. his love of country and family was always very important to him. He was admired and respected by many. John, go in peace to a better place. God bless. Jules Depiero
John and I met about 20 years ago when I bought a home on Weiss Lake in Alabama. The realtor knew of my interest in aviation and that John was building a plane in his house and he introduced us. Thus began a relationship where we relied on each other for help and information. I learned of John’s tenacity and dedication to meet his goals, He was unique in that he built that home build air plane from a thousand parts and assembled a steel frame home in Florida . I recall the day my son, Dewayne and I went to see that home built air plane take off for the first time off the lake. We ended up in a row boat rescuing John when the plane went up in flames. But John was not upset and he was not deterred. Not much later plane number two was being assembled…in his garage. John’s devotion to Dot, his love for his country, love of his kids, and his willingness to help others made him a model for the rest of us. John – May you have tail winds on your flight west to eternity. Herb and Roxanna Sherwin
We are thinking of DOT at this time. Hopeful that she is recovering well in Rehab. So appreciate your phone call to let us know about Barry, the name we knew him by. Dot we send our sincere Sympathy to You and all the Murphy Family. Louie and I did go to Rocky Mount for the Funeral Mass. So glad we could attend the Service as our tribute to the very special John Barry Murphy that we knew and loved. Enjoyed reading his Book. Going to Rocky Mount brought back many Memories for Louie. We send our thoughts and Prayers to you as you recover. Louie and Sandy Patseavouras