Earl Murphy Sr.

Earl Murphy, Sr. was born on May 28, 1943, in Hinds County, Jackson, Mississippi, to loving parents Jim Murphy and Luebertha Mae Henry Murphy. He received his formal education at Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi.

Earl was the second oldest of his siblings. As a teenager, he worked at a neighborhood store to help support his family, always looking out for his brothers and sisters. He dearly loved his family and was affectionately known by many as "Sunny Man".

In 1965, Earl married Bonnie K. Bass. To this union, two sons and one daughter were born. In 1967, Earl moved his family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they continued to build their lives together. In August of 1978, Earl met the love of his life, Lillie B. Ewing. They were united in marriage on August 30, 2001, and shared 47 years together until his passing. Through this union, Earl became a devoted father to Lillie's five children, embracing them as his own.

To his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many children close to the family, he was lovingly known as "Granddaddy Earl." His extended family circle includes more than one hundred grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose lives were touched by his love, guidance, and presence.

Earl was employed at John Oster and later at Babcock & Wilcox. He faithfully served as president of Union Local 1849 at Babcock & Wilcox for four years, until the plant closed. He and his wife Lillie owned and operated their own business, EM Painting and Contracting Company, continuing his commitment to skilled trades and entrepreneurship. He also obtained his armed security guard license and worked in Madison at the Capitol Building, as well as at various McDonald's locations. In addition, he served as manager for Blimpie Subs on 17th and Wisconsin Avenue and later ventured into owning his own restaurant, EQ Family Restaurant. A skilled carpenter, he learned his trade from his father and used those talents as part-owner of the family company, Berm Construction Development Group, LLC, until his retirement.

Earl also enjoyed entertaining others as a DJ and was well known by his DJ name, "Baby Broun," bringing joy and music to many gatherings throughout the years. In his spare time, Earl pursued his passion for motorcycles. In 2000, he founded the Equalizers Motorcycle Club (MC), a family-oriented club that reflected his values of unity, loyalty, and love. In the motorcycle community, he was respectfully known as "Mr. Broun," a name that reflected the admiration and love of his fellow riders. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle in spring, summer, fall and winter, often saying, "Real riders ride between the raindrops." His dedication to the club and its members created lifelong bonds and a strong extended family in the biking community.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Luebertha Murphy; siblings Sam Murphy, Jimmie Robbins, Edna Murphy, Eugene Murphy, and Gene Murphy; grandson Anton Murphy; and great-grandson Daquarius Berry. He leaves to cherish his fond and loving memory his siblings: Christine Ward, Betty Harris, Ann Criswell, Verlena (Clyde) Carr, Donald Ray Murphy, Brenda Murphy, Eddie James Murphy, and Michael Murphy; his children: Earl (Cassandra) Murphy, Jr., Petrella Murphy, Eric Murphy, Anthony (Felisha) Whitehead, Lamonte Whitehead, L.C. (Lachelle) Whitehead, Sean Whitehead, and Lydia (Reggie) Melton; special loving daughters: Lolita Dixon and Felisha Joyner; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his special friends, the members of the Equalizers MC.

Earl Murphy, Sr. will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, love of music, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His legacy of love, leadership, and faith will live on in the many lives he touched.

A Visitation will take place at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Earl Murphy Sr., please visit our Tribute Store.