Harry Michael Murphy

Harry “Michael” Murphy, 73, a lifelong Gulf County resident, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, May 11, 2026. Born May 30, 1952, he grew up in Port St. Joe and was a 1971 graduate of Port St. Joe High School. He attended ITT Technical Institute in Evansville, Indiana.

Michael worked for the St. Joe Paper Company container division until it permanently closed, then built a respected career as a skilled concrete tradesman. A dedicated Freemason with Masonic Lodge #111 in Port St. Joe, he continued a proud family tradition. His greatest joy was fishing on the river, a passion that began at his family’s fish camp at Bryant’s Landing, and he loved all things outdoors.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Sherrie Howell Murphy; sons Ashley Cooper (Heather) of Bardstown, KY, John Cooper of Elmore, AL, and Philip Cooper of Jamison, AL; stepsons Trent Bondy (Stacy) of Wewahitchka, FL, Travis Bondy of Michigan, and Shannon Rhoades (Kandyce) of Panama City, FL; and devoted caregiver Kathryn Frazier. He also leaves cherished fur companions Abby, Bella, Misty, Macie, Chloe, and Josie.

Michael is survived by his sister, Debra Pool-Fischer (Romaine) of Port St. Joe, his brother Dwight Gabbard (Myra) of New Lebanon, OH, and nephews Justin Pool (Stephanie) of Port St. Joe and Ryan Gabbard (Vanessa) of Seattle, WA, along with numerous grandchildren, great-nieces, and a great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his nephew David Pool and his parents Harry Murphy and Janie Murphy.

A devoted member of Hope Family Worship, Michael’s faith was central to his life. He will be remembered for his love of family, dedication to his work, joy in the outdoors, and the kindness he showed to all.

Though deeply missed, his family finds comfort knowing he is at peace in Heaven, reunited with loved ones who went before him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Hope Family Worship Center in Port St. Joe, Florida

Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.