Michael Murphy, 67, passed away on May 11, 2015, in Roswell. He was born on December 1, 1947, the only child of Frances Edward Murphy and Ada E. Nicols, in Seattle, WA. At the age of eight, he was stricken by polio, but true to his tenacious spirit, Michael overcame this adversity
As a burn victim being treated at Latrobe (PA) Hospital, he met his soul mate. On July 26, 1980, Michael married MaryAnn Uncapher. They celebrated 34 years of marriage together.
Michael was drafted into the Army in 1967, and again his tenacious spirit helped him to not only survive boot camp, but to ultimately serve in the 5th Special Forces group known as the Green Berets. After three years, eight months and 13 days of service, he was quick to say, “but who’s counting?” He achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class while in Vietnam. Much of what he did remains classified to this day. For his activities in Vietnam, Michael was awarded the Silver Star with Valor, Bronze Star with Valor x2, Purple Heart x3 and numerous other medals and citations. He also earned his CIB and master jump wings, having completed over 1,100 jumps. Michael is featured in “The Good Soldiers” by Rev. William B. Moody.
After returning to the States, Michael attended GMI where he attained a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering and developed the big block Chevy. He was proud of the work he did at Stewart and Stevenson in Sealy, TX, where he designed, built and tested the FMTV, which is the Army vehicle currently being used in active service in Afghanistan and Iraq. Michael moved to Roswell in 1998 to work as an R&D Engineer for NovaBus until it closed. Michael ran his own business, Blood Sweat and Gears, as a motorcycle mechanic.
As the Senior Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders of New Mexico, he took great pride in honoring all of his fallen brothers in arms. Michael also belonged to the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, and the Elks. His hobbies included: playing golf, telling great stories and collecting guns.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents.
Surviving him are his wife, MaryAnn of the home; one son, Robert Murphy and one grandson, Declan Seamus Murphy, both of Frederick, MD; sister-in-law, Margaret Uncapher, of Blairsville, PA; brothers-in-law: Paul Uncapher and wife Barbara, of Vintondale, PA; Marvin Uncapher and wife Lucinda; and Michael Lee Uncapher and Dawn Ann, all of Blairsville, PA. Also surviving Michael are six nieces, three nephews, 10 great-nieces and nephews; and his best friend who went everywhere with him, Dom Khai Mook.
A viewing will be held on Friday, May 15, 2015, from 2- 8 p.m. at Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2015, at 1 p.m., at the American Legion, Post 28. Dale Jones, J.D. Akins, and David Buckingham will officiate.
Pallbearers will be Jack Fox, Ralph Hutchens, Jimmy Montoya, Max Romero, Sonny Schaeffer and Craig Walker.
Honorary pallbearers will be all members of the Patriot Guard Riders, all Legion Riders, and all his friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Patriot Guard Riders – Roswell chapter; Chaves County Humane Society, Chaves County Cancer Fund, Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with Michael’s family in the online registry at andersonbethany.com.
Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.
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