Russell "Sonny" C. Murphy, Jr.

June 3, 1939 - October 1, 2025

Sergeant First Class Russell "Sonny" C. Murphy, Jr. (Retired) passed on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. at the Westwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Russell was a dedicated and beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and brother-in-law.  

He is survived by his eldest son, Michael E. Murphy of Panacea, FL; granddaughters, Erin A. Murphy of Shreveport, LA. and Chelsey M. Castro (Murphy) of Haines City, FL; great-granddaughters McKenzie and McKaela Castro of Haines City; grandson, Dustin M. Murphy of Lincoln, NE; sister, Mary E. (Murphy) and brother-in-law, Richard Hartman of NJ; sister, W. Jean (Murphy) Ryder of Lincoln, NE; sister, Betty L. (Murphy) Jorgenson of South Sioux City, NE; and brother-in-law, Fred Gillespie of South Sioux City, NE. Also surviving Russell are his beloved puppies, Angel and Teddy.

Russell was preceded in death by his cherished wife of 60 years, Carole Anne (Connelly) Murphy of Fort Walton Beach, FL; son, Russell C. Murphy, III of Gulf Breeze, FL; son, Randall S. Murphy of Lincoln, NE; parents, Russell C. Murphy, Sr. and Helen M. (Burson) Murphy of South Sioux City, NE; sister, Ruth P. Gillespie of Dakota City, NE; and brothers-in-law, Gary Warnock of Dakota City, NE, Pete Jorgenson of South Sioux City, NE, and Dwayne Ryder of Lincoln, NE.

Russell will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Carole, in the National Cemetery in Tallahassee, FL, with military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to P.A.W.S. of Ft. Walton Beach so that they may continue their good and much needed work.

The family wishes to recognize and thank Jenny Miller and Art Smith, for being such great friends to Russell.