Obituary of Michael Jon Murphey

Michael Jon ‘Mike’ Murphey, age 81 of Pace, FL, passed from this life Saturday, January 11, 2025, following a lengthy illness. Mike was born September 12, 1943 in Palmerton, Pennsylvania to Kenneth and Elva Foster Murphey.

He graduated from S.S. Palmer High School in 1961 and Aviation Structural Mechanics and Aviation Mechanics Fundamentals in N.A.S. Memphis at Millington, Tennessee in 1962. Mike enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed at Whiting Field in Milton, Florida, working as an Aircraft Sheet Metal Specialist from 1961-1964. He worked in auto parts, as an ambulance and wrecker driver and went on to work 14 years with National and Pan American Airlines in Pensacola, Florida.  Mike then returned to Whiting Field and worked as a helicopter mechanic for 30 years, retiring in 2014.

Mike married the love of his life, Martha Fowler Murphey on June 20, 1970. He was a member of Pensacola First Assembly of God church and served faithfully in their deacon and usher ministry as well as working with maintenance and in the kitchen as needed.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bonnie; his daughter, Tina Marie Murphey; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elvin and Clara Fowler; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis (Carmen)Fowler; and nephew, Joseph Nelson. 

Mike leaves behind his loving wife of over 54 years, Martha Murphey; two sons, Kenneth Murphey and Joel (Erica) Murphey; two grandsons Colby (Courtney) Murphey and Jackson Murphy; his wife’s siblings and their spouses, Dewey (Myra) Fowler, Sandra Fowler, Sheila Fowler, Cathy(Tony) Sanders and Larissa (Tommy) Moore; nieces; nephews; cousins; and a host of other friends; as well as a special church family at Pensacola First Assembly of God church.

Mike never met a stranger and was able to carry on a conversation with anyone from the least to the most educated. He was known for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, his vast knowledge in a number of different areas; his abilities as a “jack of all trades“ and his barn that usually had one or two of anything that might be needed on “Fowler Hill“ or by any of his friends.

There will be a Memorial service at Pensacola First Assembly of God Church, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 4 PM with visitation beginning at 3 PM. Reverend Lee Tate, Reverend Tommy Moore and Reverend David Scruggs will be officiating. A private family Interment will follow at a later date at Barrancas National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pensacola First Assembly of God Missions.

 

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