John Murphy, Jr.

Lt. Col. John R. Murphy, Jr., USAF Retired, age 97, passed away on April 27, 2018 in Biloxi, MS.
Mr. Murphy was a native of Ashburn, GA and a longtime resident of Biloxi. He was a World War II veteran and served during the Korean and Vietnam War periods. From 1940-1947 he served in the Army Air Corps and from 1947-1973, he served in the US Air Force. After a total of 33 years, he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He earned a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Southern MS in Elementary Education, was the author of "Thoughtful Moments: Memoirs of Lt. Col. John R. Murphy, Jr., USAF Retired" and he was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, and "foodie". Mr. Murphy enjoyed presenting copies of his memoirs to the many doctors, nurses and attendants that touched his life. During the late 1970's-80's, he was a member of the Biloxi Parks and Recreation.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Murphy, AKA "Doll Baby"; parents, John R. Murphy, Sr. and Annelle Thrasher Murphy; and a sister, Kathleen Youngblood.
He is survived by his six children, Jerome A. Murphy (Susan) of Dallas, OR, John R. Murphy III of Brandon, MS, Mary Craig (Tim) of Seabrook, TX, Patricia Burkes (Ted) of Stafford, VA, Richard Murphy (Ellen) of Arlington, TX, and Melody Wiltz (Thomas) of Biloxi, MS; grandchildren, Jennifer Gates, Stephanie Wittemann, Shannon Moreland, Brandon Lewis, Malorie Paxson, Jonathan Burkes, Elijah Murphy, Ethan Murphy, Mary Ashley Kovacevich, Bailey Wiltz, Brennon Wiltz, Madison Wiltz, and Zachary Wooten; many grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Rd., Biloxi on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 9-10 AM with funeral services starting at 10 AM. Interment with full military honors will be held at 11 AM at Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a charitable donation be made, in his honor, to a veteran's organization of your choice.