William Michael Murphy

William Michael “Mike” Murphy, 71, of Concord died unexpectedly at his home on August 5, 2021.

Mike was born February 6, 1950 in Charleston, West Virginia, a son of the late John B. Murphy, Sr. and Janet Hoffman Murphy. In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his uncle and aunt, William and Sue Hoffman, and his cousin, Ruth Hoffman.

Mike was a graduate of UNC – Chapel Hill where he majored in English. He wore several hats in life, but the majority of his working years were spent as a sales representative for Hunter Engineering, where he was always in the running for top sales rep and allowed him to know the state of NC pretty much like the back of his hand.

He loved the water, especially the beach, which he was able to visit with his family 2 weeks before he passed. During his visit, he rested, ate great seafood and a lot of Italian shaved ice and watched the ocean on a hot day from a bench in the sand with his daughter. He was an avid reader and was naturally curious and smart. He loved movies-all kinds, and was always ready to root for the UNC Tarheels. Music also held a special place in his heart.

He is survived by his daughter, Megan Murphy, granddaughter, Olivia Kolokowsky, and son-in-law, Brian Kolokowsky of Frederick CO, his brother, John B. Murphy Jr., and sister-in-law, Tamara Murphy of High Point, their children Kelly Byrd, Julia Murphy and John B. Murphy III, as well as David Murphy of Concord and his children, Molly Murphy and Sara Murphy Doyle. He is also survived by his cousin, Margaret Huffman and her family, Neil, Hunter, Andrew, and Kay Huffman of Greensboro, NC, as well as numerous friends he loved like family.

There are no funeral services planned at this time due to the pandemic, but if you knew Mike and are reading this, feel free to throw on a little beach music, some Rolling Stones, The Beatles, or some Motown tunes and remember the fun times you had. Mike would not want you feeling sad over the one day he was lost, only joy for the numerous days that preceded it.

If you feel inclined to do so, please make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help fund their research to find a cure for all blood cancers. The form Mike had brought out his fighting spirit and the love he had for his family and friends was, no doubt, what fed his desire to fight.

When people die from cancer, the term “lose” is used a lot to described the outcome of their efforts. Mike did not “lose” his fight with cancer-he won the peace he so very much deserved and I invite you to take solace in that.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.