Joseph Randall Malphurs

1931 - 2023

Joseph Randall Malphurs, 91, passed away peacefully at his son's home early Tuesday morning, April 4, 2023.
A true Florida Cracker, he was born in St. Johns Park in Flagler County on September 9, 1931, as part of the Cowart pioneer family of cattlemen. He started school in Bunnell and graduated from Seville High School in 1949. He enjoyed being able to stay in the cattle business his entire life and was one of the last open range cowboys. Before the fence laws were enacted, his family would drive cattle from Lake Como to Samsula, a three-day drive. He also grew fern and timber and was named Florida Tree Farmer of the Year in 1991. He enjoyed breaking horses, hog hunting and was a master storyteller with a never-ending supply of entertaining tales.
He enjoyed membership with the Pilgrim Congregational Church and he spent countless hours helping children with livestock projects and hosting Boy Scouts, 4-H and FFA campouts and cookouts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Riley Malphurs and Catherine Cowart Johnson; and stepfather, Henry G. Johnson; his sister, Wanda Aiken; and brother, Albert Malphurs.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lillian Malphurs of Pomona Park; their children, Steven Malphurs of Pomona Park; Cathy (Justin) Byrd of Pomona Park and Beth (Mark) Bailey of San Mateo; grandchildren, Kacen and Kody Byrd, Hannah, Rachel and Natalie Malphurs and Samantha Stevens; great-granddaughter, Briar Lansing; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and family at the funeral home in Crescent City for visitation from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 14th. A Celebration of Mr. Malphurs' Life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Pomona Park with the Reverends Mark Conroy, Victor Nickerson, and John Chapman officiating. Burial will follow in Seville Cemetery.
Floral tributes are gratefully accepted or those who wish may make contributions to Pilgrim Congregational Church, P.O. Box 309, Pomona Park, Florida 32189.
The family would like to thank Community Hospice for their kind and loving care given to Randall over the past year.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Crescent City.