Ronnie Murphy

Steve Ronald “Ronnie” Murphy, age 79, of Pine Knot, Kentucky, husband of Betty (Bradley) Murphy, was born on December 5, 1945, in Oneida, Tennessee, to the late James Ola Murphy and Sally (Miller) Murphy. He departed this life on Saturday, May 31, 2025 leaving behind too many heartbroken family and friends to count.

Ronnie and Betty married on August 21, 1965, and spent the next 59 years building a loving home, settling on Cal Hill Road in Pine Knot, Kentucky. Ronnie retired from Crane in Somerset, Kentucky, after 42 years.

One of Ronnie’s favorite activities was what most people would consider “running errands” because, whether he was at the post office, the bank, Daugherty Drugstore, or the grocery, he would inevitably find half a dozen people—all of whom he considered friends—to stop and talk to. He loved catching up on the lives of others and sharing updates about his own life. Ronnie was a well-loved and respected member of McCreary County, which was always home to him.

Although big celebrations like Easter, Christmas, and birthdays were joyous occasions, Ronnie looked forward equally to small family gatherings, especially those brought about by Betty cooking a big pot of chicken and dumplings or making her famous fried apple pies or peanut butter fudge.

Ronnie loved when friends and family called or stopped by to sit on the front porch and chat, but nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Betty, Ronnie survived by three children, son Wesley Murphy and wife Jennifer, daughter Emily Mason and husband, Joey, and daughter Paula Braden; by five grandchildren, Taylor Braden, Leah Braden, Kenton Murphy, Kamden Murphy, and Danielle Phillips; and by three great-grandchildren, Marley Kate Ridener, Waylon Stephens, and John Stephens. Ronnie was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Vahle, as well as his parents.

The family of Ronnie Murphy will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Pine Knot Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will take place at noon on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with pastors Doug Stephens and George Lloyd officiating. Serving as pall bearers will be Joey Mason, Drew Sexton, Logan Stephens, Adam Taylor, Brad Ryan, and Teddy Davis, with honorary pall bearers Kenton and Kamden Murphy. Burial will follow in the Jones Cemetery in Strunk, Kentucky.

Pine Knot Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.