John N. Murphy of Harrisburg

The life of John Neely Murphy came to an end on Feb. 23, 2018. The 90-year-old was a resident of Villas of Holly Brook in Harrisburg.

John is survived by his loving and devoted wife, DeEtta Murphy, of Harrisburg; a brother, Charles A. Murphy, of Carrier Mills; and two sisters: Lulu Belle (Joe) Rice of Carrier Mills and Wanda Marsh of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Rhoda Duncan Murphy; brothers: William J., Harold, Glenn, Dale; and a sister, Alene Vinyard.

"Uncle Johnny" was born in Saline County on March 3, 1927 and was raised in what is commonly known as the Tom Dick Hill area of Battleford Road. John was honorably discharged from the Unite States Army after being combat active during the Korean conflict.

After his military service, he was married to DeEtta Roberts in Harrisburg on Sept. 1, 1953. He is lovingly remembered as a devoted and loving husband of 65 years.

Baptist by faith, he served as a devoted member and deacon of the Columbia Street Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan. He was also a member of the New Salem Baptist Church in Carrier Mills. John and DeEtta lived in Pontiac, Michigan for over 50 years. They were both very active in charity work and loved to travel. John was employed by General Motors of Pontiac. John N. Murphy will be sadly missed and fondly loved and remembered by many, including those nieces and nephews who considered DeEtta and John to be second parents.

Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26 at the Absher-Nicholson Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at the funeral home with the Rev. Roy Dale Orr officiating. Burial and final internment with military honors will be conducted in the Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills.

The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to New Salem Baptist Church in memory of John N. Murphy.