Daniel Vernon Murphy

Daniel Vernon Murphy, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully departed this life on December 17, 2025, at the age of 73.
Born on March 18, 1952, in Louisville, Kentucky, Daniel grew up in Homewood, Illinois surrounded by family and lifelong friendships that shaped the values he carried throughout his life. He went on to attend Purdue University, where he laid the foundation for a distinguished professional career, and met his bride.
In 1972, Daniel married the love of his life, Sharon Murphy (nee Hoagland). Together, they built a strong and joyful life rooted in love, faith, and family. They eventually settled in Duluth, Georgia, where they raised their two children, Jason and Sarah. A devoted father, Daniel led with wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support.
Daniel dedicated more than 40 years to the design and construction industry, serving as a Senior Executive and Group Managing Director at DMCG Solutions, LLC. Highly respected for his expertise, he served as an expert witness both nationally and internationally, leaving a lasting legacy that emphasized safety and competence. Ahead of his first court testimony he practiced before the most difficult audience imaginable, sharing charts, graphs, and testimony with Sarah and her 4th grade classmates.
He built a career that relied as much on his college background as the electric trade work that paid his way through school, teaching his children respect for both a great education and an honest day's work - and the skills required to do their own light electrical and plumbing work.
His personal brand was based on honest and effective analysis and management on projects large enough to make your head spin. His family was always proud of the work he did - even if we also always had trouble explaining it to others.
He was a great communicator, and storyteller. Progenitor of the "dad joke" before that was a thing. A man with stories and anecdotes that would repeat with JUST enough changes to stay interesting, but always glad to have a new audience for an old story.
Deeply committed to his community, Daniel stepped up to fill a void in the neighborhood association; advocated for his neighbors at public hearings in the height of Gwinnett County growth; hosted international students far from home who have become family - including Nao Hagiwara-Livingston of Richmond and Yan Yip of Hong Kong.
Daniel is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; his son, Jason Robert Murphy (wife Joye Purser); his daughter, Sarah Murphy Youssef (husband Mike Youssef); his grandchildren, Jefferson Robert Murphy, Josephine Purser Murphy, James Richard Youssef, and Connor Daniel Youssef; his brother Dale (wife Linda); and his nephews, Kevin and Ryan Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert James Murphy and Vera Bernice Murphy.
He truly loved being a grandfather, probably his favorite title - serving as a calming force, inspiration, sounding board, and the number one fan of their athletic, artistic, and academic endeavors.
Daniel leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, integrity, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love him. He will forever remain in our hearts.
He and his wife had recently found a home at Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Duluth, and were looking to get more involved, bringing to mind the words of John 14:3 - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
Celebration of Life services will be at Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Duluth, Georgia, at 3:00 p.m., on Monday, December 29th, 2025 with visitation with the family following the service until 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church (https://www.oldpeachtree.org/) in Daniel's memory.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross/Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770)448-5757