Stephen E. Murphy, 74 of Winter Garden, Florida met his Savior on Thursday, April 27, 2023. His loving and devoted family was by his side as he entered Glory.
Steve was born on November 11, 1948, in Leesburg, Florida. He is the son of the late Charlie F. Murphy and Evelyn (Davis) Murphy. Steve was the loving husband of his “Sweetie”, Elaine Murphy for 54 years.
A car lover his entre life, Steve worked in the automotive industry in some way shape or form his entre career. Starting as a mechanic and working his way into management. Steve retired after 28 years of faithful service as General Manager of Credit Cars in Orlando where he worked with his great friend Scott Lanier.
Steve had many great cars in his life but none compared to his 1969 Chevy Impala “Ole Blue” which was know as the seventh member of the Murphy family when he joined them in 1979. He loved his home town of Winter Garden where his family had moved to when he was just a toddler. He graduated from Ocoee High school in 1966 and was always proud to be a Cardinal. He loved staying in touch with his high school friends and still hanging out with them for the past 50 plus years. Steve took great pleasure in a hard day’s work and worked hard at passing that on to his kids, grandkids and anyone that worked for him. He loved spending time telling stories about his family, friends, and life experiences. His love of music and playing the guitar and singing with his family gave him much joy. He was known for his quick wit and amazing sense of humor and everyone who knew Steve would tell you what generous, kind and loving person he was. He demonstrated what unconditional love is as a servant of Jesus Christ, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Steve lived his life as a true follower of Jesus Christ and strived to live as an example of Him by trying to live out what is written in God’s word. His favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Besides his loving wife, Elaine, Steve is survived by his four children, Tanya Murphy, Jathan Murphy and his wife Crystal, Erick Murphy and his wife Melanie, and Angie Austin and her husband Les. He was a devoted grandpa to his 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren and is survived by grandsons, Derick and his wife Kemper and their son baby Liam. Jake and his wife Christina and their son baby Mack, Brandon and his wife Holly, Tanner, Kaleb, Blake, Parker, Colton, Major, Max and Sailor and his beautiful granddaughters Madi, Casey, Lilli, Demi, and Charli. He is also survived by his three sisters, Voncille Catrett, Crystal Perkins and Joyce Register, two brothers, Gene Murphy and his wife Faye, and Harvey Murphy and many nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his brothers David Murphy and Stanley Murphy. Steve was a great man and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.
The family will receive relatives and friends for a viewing from 10:00 – 11:30 on Wednesday May 3, 2023 at West Orlando Baptist Church in Ocoee, FL with the service starting at 11:30 and the graveside service immediately following at the Winter Garden Cemetery.