Edwin Murphy, Sr.

Edwin Bruce Murphy, Sr. (affectionately known as Champ or #2) of Harrisburg, PA, was called to be with his Lord on August 17, 2025, at the tender age of 72 years old while residing at River’s Bend Health and Rehab Center, in Harrisburg, PA, after 2 plus years of battling multiple illnesses. Champ was born in Washington, DC., on June 25, 1953 to the late Celestine D. (Wade) Murphy and Edgar B. Murphy, Sr.

Champ received his formal education in the Harrisburg Public Schools and graduated from the William Penn High School – Class of 1971, where he was an outstanding student and athlete especially in track and field and football. He even tried his hand in boxing, self-defense classes, and more. Immediately upon graduation, Champ obtained employment with the Bethlehem Steel Mill plant in Steelton, PA and remained there until retirement.

Although, one of Champ’s ultimate goals and desires were to enlist and serve in the U.S. Marines Corp, that dream was shattered when he was injured while playing football in high school. He sustained an injury that was so severe that it required him to have major surgery on his leg in order to repair several torn ligaments.

Champ was a hard worker and a high achiever all of his life and had very high standards when it came to anything that he put his mind to and/or hands on, which included (his vehicles, his family, his home, his art, his drums, his microphone, and any other personal hobbies that he had acquired). Back in 1973, he was one of the first young guys around town to own a high end vehicle (Hurst Olds – Classic Cutlass Supreme) and a lot of people looked up to him and some even envied his potential to achieve such great things. He lived life with a very strong determination to achieve his goals and to prove himself worthy. Champ later on married Debra (Brice) in 1977 and that union produced Bruce and Neena in addition to two older sons Timacha Sr., and Aaron.

Champ LOVED the Lord and he loved singing GOD’s praises!!! Wherever he was, even if it was on a corner, he didn’t hesitate to grab a microphone (or a fake mic) and would just start singing impromptu, even if there was no music he would sing a-cappella (and man was he was good at it). He is a former member of FSFMBC (First Spirit Filled Missionary Baptist Church) where his biological brother Bishop Edgar B. Murphy, Jr. (Former Pastor of First Spirit Filled Missionary Baptist Church of Edgemont) aided to shape and mold his Christian walk. Champ was an integral part of the church’s Men’s choir as they traveled to and from spreading the Lord’s praises.

In Champ’s spare time, he loved to cook and bake (especially his delicious different types of cheesecakes) that he would oftentimes enter them into certain “cook off/contests” that were held. He also loved to dance, play spades, go to the race track, and you could always find him rooting for those Philadelphia Eagles.

Champ exuded charisma, and would light up any room with his warm smile, quick wit, and entertaining sense of humor. Many people considered him a male fashionista due to his stylish ways and ability to always step out looking sharply dressed from head to toe. He was definitely a trailblazer and had a huge following due to the respect that he gained and maintained during all of his interactions with people of all walks of life. No one was a stranger to him and to know him was to love him.

Champ was predeceased by his mother Celestine D. (Wade) Murphy, father Edgar B. Murphy, Sr., his oldest sister Linda A. Washington (Carl) and younger brother Michael R. Murphy. Celebrating the memories, missing him but not letting him go, are his Loving daughter/caretaker, Neena Renee Murphy-Pierce (Jason) of Stafford, VA., three sons Timacha T. Simpson, Sr., of Seattle, WA., Aaron Stepp (Becca) of Harrisburg, PA., and Edwin Bruce Murphy, Jr. (Abby) of Mechanicsburg, PA., two brothers, Bishop Edgar B. Murphy, Jr. (Deborah) of Harrisburg, PA., Gerald Murphy (Bon) of Greensboro, NC., three sisters Neena Murphy-Jackson (Elder Kevin) of Harrisburg, PA, Shirley L. Murphy of Tampa, FL, and Vergia L. Isley (Devon) of Greensboro, NC., eleven grandchildren, Jalen, Isaiah, Alexa, Damon, Mariah, Timacha, Jr., Ryan, and Saige. In addition his bonus grandchildren (Samantha, Skye & Zyan), three great-grandchildren, Kallum, Sy’Lis, and Sa’Vir, his very devoted cousin Larry E. Wade, Sr. (Leona), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly Submitted By The Family

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.