Joe Murph, 84, of St. Simons Island, GA, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Azalealand Nursing
and Rehabilitation in Savannah, following complications from Parkinson’s Disease.
Joe was born on March 30, 1941, in Abbeville, SC, to the late Marvin Livingston (M.L.) and Carolyn Hughes
Murph. He attended Clemson University and Lander College, and he went on to build a distinguished career
in information technology. Over the years, he worked for Abney Mills, Greenwood Mills, and Brunswick
Pulp and Paper, which later became Georgia Pacific. His work with Georgia Pacific even took him around
the world, including assignments in China and Switzerland, where he worked on mainframe computer
systems.
Joe proudly served in both the South Carolina Army National Guard and the Georgia Air National Guard,
retiring as a Technical Sergeant from the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron after more than 30
years of dedicated military service.
He was an active member of the Glynn Amateur Radio Association until his health no longer allowed him to
participate. Even in retirement, Joe continued to share his expertise by helping members of the
community and local businesses with their computer issues. He found great joy in lending a hand and
staying connected with the people around him.
Joe's favorite pastimes included cheering on the Clemson Tigers, hunting, boating, fishing, cooking, and
driving sports cars and motorcycles—activities that reflected his adventurous spirit and love of life.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Harriett Johnson Murph formerly of St. Simons; his
daughter, Kathryn Murph Downs, and her husband, Jared Downs of Savannah; his son, Joey Murph of
Brunswick; and four cherished grandchildren: Emma Downs and Anna Hughes Downs of Savannah, and Jena
Murph and Jay Murph of Richmond Hill.
The family will receive visitors at Edo Miller & Sons Funeral Home in Brunswick at 2:00 PM on Friday,
August 29, 2025. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM, with Rev. Lucas Ramirez officiating.
Joe will be remembered for his devotion to family, his commitment to service, his technical talents, and
the many ways he gave of himself to others. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of
flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Isakson Center for Neurological Disease
Research, which is dedicated to raising awareness and funding research related to neurocognitive
diseases including Parkinson’s.