Sterling E. "Butch" Murphy Jr. 61, a life long area resident, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 27 2007 in Walton.

Butch was born in Margaretville on Nov. 19, 1945 the son of the late Sterling & Ella (Shaver) Murphy-Butler. He graduated from Downsville High School in 1965. Butch proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy where he served as a Radioman on a submarine. He received an honorable discharge & a Defense Service Medal upon discharge in 1971. He married Sherrie VanLoan on April 4, 1970. He worked construction for several years before working at S.J. Bailey's & Son for nearly 20 years. He went on to work at Norbord in Deposit and more recently drove school bus for Walton Central. He loved the kids and enjoyed driving them on their trips and sporting events.

He loved the outdoors; where when he was younger, he enjoyed playing in the men's softball league, taking his sons hunting and fishing, and bowling. He loved to watch his grandchildren's sporting events, and was a big Walton Warrior fan. Butch and Sherrie also enjoyed their yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with many of their friends.

He was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Downsville where he served as a Alter boy & Accolade for many years.

Butch is survived by his wife and best friend of 37 years Sherrie (VanLoan) Murphy. Three sons Shawn (Helen) Murphy, Jamie Murphy, Craig (Leanne) Murphy, and one daughter Tori (Rich) Roloson all of Walton, 8 grandchildren whom he loved very much. Ashleigh, Cameron, Samantha, Brent, Dustin, Dawson, Hailee and Oliva. He is also survived by his three brothers Roy (Mary Lou) Murphy, Jim (Linda) Murphy, Walt Murphy, two sisters Sylvia (Steve) Reed, Sis (Paul) Doig and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Butch is also survived by his many very close "Myrtle Beach" friends and Special Neighbors.

Butch, with Sherrie by his side, opened Murph's Funnels & Cones. Together they sold deep fried treats at most of the local events and fairs. The business was a dream come true for both of them.

He was predeceased by his father Sterling Murphy Sr. on April 8, 1981, his mother Ella (Shaver) Murphy-Butler on Oct 8, 2004 and a step-sister, Lois.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday afternoon, June 29, 2007 from 1 to 3 PM at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton where funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1 PM with the Rev. Stephen Blews, officiating.

Interment will be in Walton Cemetery with full military honors.