Murrell “Leroy” Murphy, age 80, of Elkton, MD, was surrounded by his family on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 when he went to join the Lord. He was born in Artemus, KY on May 5, 1940 to the late Thomas Murrell Murphy and Roberta (Johnson) Murphy.

Leroy honorably served his country in the United States Air Force. In the course of his 28 year career he served as operations coordinator for the attaché office in the American Embassy of South Africa, Israel, The Netherlands, and Turkey. In addition, he was a proud Vietnam veteran. When Leroy came back to the United States, he helped to prepare others for their overseas assignments until his retirement.

Having a strong faith, Leroy was an active church member. With a great love of singing, he could be counted on to be the loudest voice in church, and sang at his children’s weddings. Leroy was an avid golfer, affectionately known as “Golf Pop”. He had many golfing buddies that he played with in addition to golfing with his family. His greatest joy was in spending time with his grandchildren. In his retirement, he volunteered tutoring students with Cecil County Public Schools.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caretaking staff of Fresenius Kidney Care and the Veterans Administration for their wonderful support and care.

Leroy is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sharon Murphy; three children: Darla Tulowitzy and her husband, Gregg; Tom Murphy and his wife, Maria; and Lori McCann and her husband, Bruce; seven grandchildren: Tyler Tulowitzky and his wife, Brie; Nathan and his wife, Jillian; Jonathan McCann and his wife, Rachel; Hannah McCann and her fiance, Trey Mason; Jake McCann; Gabby Murphy and Nick Murphy; and sister, Billie Caldwell. In addition to Leroy’s parents he is preceded in death by his two sisters: Myra Spears and Martha Coleman.

A celebration of Leroy’s life will be held at 10:00 on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Elkton Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to the Paris Foundation-Feeding the homeless of Elkton, in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 259 E. Main St. Elkton, MD 21921.