OZZIE M. MURPHY SR.
Aug. 1, 1932-Jan. 27, 2018
Mr. Ozzie M. Murphy Sr., 85, 406 Whitfield Drive, Goldsboro, passed Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at Wayne UNC Health Care of Goldsboro, N.C.
Ozzie was born Aug. 1, 1932, to the proud parents, Minnie P. Murphy and Matthew L. Murphy in Goldsboro, N.C.
His brother Matthew "Mack" Murphy preceded him in death.
Ozzie attended Goldsboro public schools, and graduated from Dillard High School.
While in high school, Ozzie excelled in sports, and upon graduation, he was offered a couple of scholarships.
However, he opted for the United States Air Force, and married Juanita Pearsall. They had three lovely children, Jacqueline, Pamela and Ozzie II, the first baby boy to be born at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
After being honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, Ozzie attended Barnes Business College.
In 1957, the family relocated to Hartford, Conn., where he worked for Hamilton Standard until he was recalled into the United States Air Force.
He completed his final tour with the military at Shaw Air Force Base.
After which, Ozzie and family returned to Goldsboro.
Ozzie remained in Goldsboro, working for a year and a half at Cherry Hospital and for 35 years with Wayne County ABC System.
He was the first black person employed by the system, and was the assistant business manager at the time of his retirement in 1997.
A licensed funeral director, Ozzie worked for many years at Hamilton Funeral Home.
Ozzie was a committed public servant, and gave lifelong service to the city and his community.
For many years, he was active in numerous civic and volunteer activities, such as the Boys Club, Fathers of Dillard, the Salvation Army, nursing home, the Epicureans, Goldsboro Urban Development Commission and his local neighborhood watch organization.
In 1999, Ozzie was awarded a key to the city of Goldsboro by Mayor Hal Plonk.
He also received the Long Leaf pin, the state of North Carolina's highest civic award, from two different governors -- Martin and Hunt.
Ozzie joined the Masonic order, and rose to the position of special deputy grand master for the coastal region.
He was a member of the Scottish Rite Mason 33rd degree, commander of the Rite and imminent commander, Shriner, illustrious potentate imperial deputy of the Oasis, imperial deputy of the Desert, imperial deputy emeritus and honorary past imperial potentate, treasurer for North Carolina, commander of the Rite for 46 years.
Despite all of Ozzie's involvement and moving around, he never put anyone or anything before his long everlasting love for Juanita and their children.
Affectionately called "Papa" by his grandchildren and others.
Papa leaves to mourn his devoted wife, Juanita; his children, Jacqueline Hicks (John) and Ozzie "Toby"; his grandchildren, SheShonne Musgrave, Jocelyn Garner (William), John Hicks Jr. (Mariel), Bennie Musgrave Jr. (Shannon), Tabitha Musgrave and Julius Murphy; and son-in-law, Bennie Musgrave.
As well as 13 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his child, Pamela Musgrave.
The celebration of his life will be held Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Mark Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, 700 W. Ash St., Goldsboro, N.C., with Bishop Alton A. Smith officiating. He will be laid to rest Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. with military honors at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, N.C.
There will be a viewing held Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremations, Goldsboro, N.C., and a visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Mark Church of Christ Disciples of Christ, Goldsboro, N.C.
Services of compassionate and distinguished class entrusted to J.B. Rhodes Funeral Home and Cremation of Goldsboro.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 31, 2018 8:05 AM