Ronald Edward Murphy, 66, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, November 17, 2011 after a courageous four year battle with cancer. Ron was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on March 18, 1945 and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1964 where he was an All-State football player. He then went on to play football at Ferris State University. A decorated Vietnam vet, Ron was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was employed with Michigan Carton for over 30 years and coached youth sports in the Battle Creek area for many years. Ron was also an avid hunter and fisherman. A devoted father, Ron is survived by three children, Amber (Thomas) Carlisle of Charlotte, NC, Aron (Laura) Murphy of Charleston, SC and Shawn Murphy of Jackson, and their mother, Sandra VanderMeer of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren: Cole, Hunter and Lily Carlisle, and Ava and Grace Murphy; his mother: Blanche Forchione of Battle Creek; half-brother: Leonard Forchione of Battle Creek; niece: Nicole Forchione of Richland and nephews: Joseph Forchione and Anthony (Mindy )Forchione both of Battle Creek; close family friends: Gerald (Becky) Bellinger, Chris (Christine) Bellinger and Matthew (Suzann) Bellinger . Ron was preceded in death by his stepfather: Joseph Forchione and a special aunt: Cinda McCulley. Ron will forever be remembered for his courageous nature, love of laughter and kind soul to those who knew him. He touched the lives of many people with his smile and generosity, and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions are made to Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Contributions - VE01FS, 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan, 48201. Across the years I will walk with you - in deep green forests, on shores of sand and when our time on earth is through, in heaven too, you will have my hand - Robert Sexton.
