Ronald Frank Murphy, 87, of Mooresville, NC, formerly of Crossville, TN, passed away at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center, Huntersville, NC, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Born on May 30, 1937, in Cressona, PA, Ron was the son of Ezevel and Wayne Murphy. He married Judith Moon on Feb. 7, 1960, in Macomb, IL. She preceded him in death on Nov. 2, 2017. His parents also preceded him in death.

Surviving are daughters Kathleen (John) Bertelsen of Mooresville, NC, Gretchen (Douglas) Murphy-Bowman of Colorado Springs, CO, and Rebecca (Shane) Lambert of Vandalia, IL, and son Erich (Beth) Murphy of Chenoa, IL;10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Carolyn (Stephen) Jeffries, Fairfield Glade, TN, and Janis (Rolf) Domesle, Fredericksburg, VA.

Ron graduated from Roseville High School in Illinois in 1955, Western Illinois University in 1959 and the University of Iowa in 1965. And taught History at Monmouth (IL) High School for 32 years.

Ron followed WIU, Iowa, the Cubs, the Bears, Tennessee and the Titans.

An avid golfer, Ron has a hole-in-one to his credit. Despite physical issues in later years, he loved golfing at Druid Hills at Fairfield Glade with the help of a special golf cart.

Ron enjoyed playing cards, especially 5 Crowns, with fellow Good Samaritan Society residents at Fairfield Glade.

He was a member of the Fairfield Glade Community Church.

Cremation rights have been accorded by Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, NC. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 4, at Fairfield Glade Community Church in Crossville, TN Inurnment will take place at a future date in Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ron and Judy Murphy Memorial Scholarship, c/o Monmouth-Roseville Education Foundation; 105 N. E Street; Monmouth, IL, 61462.