Clayton Champton Murphy

Clayton Champton Murphy, age 88, went home to be with the Lord December 02, 2021, with family by his side.

He was born on July 16, 1933 in Rutherfordton. He was the son of the late Hardy L. Murphy and Birdie Painter Murphy; and stepmother, Ella Maude Murphy.

He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Clinton Murphy and Lester Murphey.

He served in the U.S. Army as a Private First Class from 1953 to 1955 in a Tank Platoon and was an associate company clerk. He was the driver for the company commander’s M48 Tank. He was an accomplished machinist and retired from Alliance Carolina Tool and Mold. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, and brother. He will be missed. Clayton had many good friends and fishing buddies. He loved his family, fishing, and laughter. He kept up with all his friends and called them often to check on them. He was also a 32nd degree Mason of Joppa Lodge no. 401 of Old Fort and the Scottish Rite Shriner’s.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley Vess Murphy; five children, Bobbi Burgin (Steve), Kathy Burgin (Fred), Sandy Dufresne (Dave), Karen Tipton (Randy), and Eric Murphy (Lisa); one brother, Colish Murphy; 12 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 07, 2021 at Mt. Hebron Wesleyan Church. Burial will follow at Clayton and Shirley Murphy Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 P.M. prior to the service at the church.