Ronald Frank Murphy of Mooresville, N.C., and formerly of Crossville, Tenn., passed away at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center in Huntersville, N.C., on Sunday, March 9. He was 87.

Born on May 30, 1937, in Cressona, Penn., Ron was the son of Ezevel and Wayne Murphy. He married Judith Moon on February 7, 1960, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Macomb, Ill. She preceded him in death on November 2, 2017. His parents and biological parent Frank Elonis also preceded him in death.

Surviving are daughters Kathleen (John) Bertelsen of Mooresville, N.C., Gretchen (Douglas) Murphy-Bowman of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Rebecca (Shane) Lambert of Vandalia, Ill., and son Erich (Beth) Murphy of Chenoa, Ill.; grandchildren Diana (Brad) Ronnow, Justin Bertelsen, Benjamin Bowman, Samuel (Amy) Bowman, Josie Bowman, Riley Lambert, Ryan Lambert, Bradley (Angela) Nolan, Gregory (Amanda) Nolan, and Betsy (Matt) Carroll; and 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Carolyn (Stephen) of Jeffries, Crossville, Tenn., and Janis (Rolf) Domesle of Fredericksburg, Va.; and three nieces and two nephews.

Proud of his Lithuanian heritage, Ron spent his early childhood in Schuylkill County, Pa., before moving to the Monmouth area after World War II. After Judy’s retirement, they moved to Fairfield Glade near Crossville, Tenn.

Ron graduated from Roseville High School in 1955. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1959. In his own words, “While there, I met my future wife, Judy.” He earned his Master of Arts degree in History from the University of Iowa in 1965.

Ron was hired by Monmouth Public Schools to teach social studies at Monmouth High School in 1960. He taught History, Civics and Economics at MHS for 32 years. He was instrumental in establishing and being a working member of the teacher’s union for the school district.

He began his coaching career with cross country in 1965. He coached cross country for 10 years, which included a conference championship season. He was an assistant wrestling coach from 1969-1975, and was an IHSA official in various sports, including baseball, football, basketball and track. He was a track starter for 32 years, including time after his teaching retirement. He was also the P.A. announcer for MHS boys’ and girls’ basketball, as well as wrestling, for many years.

During his summers while teaching, Ron worked at Gamble’s Warehouse, where he was a member of the Teamsters, and then for DeKalb Seed and Garst Seed as a field inspector.

A longtime sports fan, he followed Monmouth athletics even after leaving the area. He also said he “followed the fortunes of WIU, U of Iowa, the Cubs and the Bears. One change that occurred is my adopted interest in the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the Lady Vols, and the Tennessee Titans.”

Ron was an avid golfer throughout his adult life. He recorded a hole-in-one at Gibson Woods Golf Course in Monmouth. It was witnessed by his longtime friend and golfing partner, Gene Stavenhagen. Despite physical issues in later years, Ron golfed at his adopted home course at Fairfield Glade with the help of a special golf cart.

Ron was a softball pitcher with Romano Agency in Monmouth’s Industrial League, as well as Church League for Faith United Presbyterian Church.

His interests away from sports included being a member of Faith United Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and served on many committees. He was also a member of the Fairfield Glade Community Church. Ron was also a member of the Jaycees and Elks Club in Monmouth. He portrayed John Hancock in the first Warren County Musical Players production of “1776.” He also took part in other stage productions, including Monmouth’s sesquicentennial celebration “Born of the Prairie.” He also enjoyed appearing in “Bleacher Bums” at Monmouth College.

Card games were a passion for Ron. He played in what he called the longest pitch game with his fellow teachers during lunch. He also enjoyed bridge. In his later years, Ron was quick to take part in various family card games, as well as games, especially 5 Crowns, with fellow residents, including his sister Carolyn and brother-in-law Stephen at Good Samaritan Society at Fairfield Glade.

In his downtime, Ron was a passionate reader and enjoyed watching old Western TV shows.

Cremation rights have been accorded by Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, N.C. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 4, at Fairfield Glade Community Church in Crossville, Tenn., and inurnment will take place at a future date in Warren County Memorial Park in Monmouth, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ron and Judy Murphy Memorial Scholarship, c/o Monmouth-Roseville Education Foundation; 105 N. E Street; Monmouth, IL, 61462.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is proudly serving the Murphy family.