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Obituary for Samuel "Duke" Murphy
Mr. Samuel “Duke” Murphy was born on January 5, 1946, to the late Mr. John Murphy and the late Mrs. Minnie Lee Boston Murphy. He departed this life on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at the age of seventy five, after a short illness.
Samuel attended school at Emanuel County Elementary and High School in Swainsboro, Georgia. At a young age, he became a member of the Greater Saint James Baptist Church. Immediately following graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea.
From a young boy, Samuel always had a strong work ethic. For 50 years he worked as a drywall contractor and sheetrock finisher. He was the “go to” man for all things sheetrock. When he wasn’t working, Samuel loved going fishing. It also filled his heart with so much joy whenever summer came and he got his chance to sell his famous boiled peanuts, lemonade, and ice cream. Those who really knew him can agree that he was tough on the outside but so soft and humorous on the inside. He loved telling jokes and stories that could lighten up any mood. His personality was truly one of a kind and will most definitely be missed.
Samuel Murphy was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. Sidney and Mrs. Annie Powell Boston; parents, Mr. John and Mrs. Minnie Lee Murphy; and brother, Mr. John Edward “Monk” Murphy.
Samuel leaves the following loved ones to cherish his memory: his wife, Mrs. Lillie Ruth Handsom Murphy of Twin City, Georgia; his son, Willie Morris Mills (Gussie Newton) of Stillmore, Georgia; his two daughters, Tiffany Murphy of Richmond Hill, Georgia, and Eva Shawn Burrison (Elvin) of Manhattan, New York; two grandchildren, Willie Jamar Mills (Kyna) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kendall O’Brian Mills (Jana) of Statesboro, Georgia; a sister, Margaret Ann Bright (Moses) of Swainsboro, Georgia; one uncle, Sidney Boston (Sallie Mae) of New York, 5 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, relatives, and friends.
Samuel touched the lives of so many people. His teachings will live on for generations to come. Although his stay on this Earth was far too short, the impact he made is unmatched and will never be forgotten. Enjoy your new home and picture perfect health. Heaven has truly gained itself a new angel
