Joshua Ryan Murphy

Joshua Ryan Murphy was diagnosed at the age of 2-1/2 years with Mucopolysaccharidosis, or MPS, a very rare disease affecting one in 25,000 births.  He was expected to live 13 years. MPS took him at 21 years of age.  Joshua passed away on April 25, 2022.  He was born on January 29, 2001, in Garland, Texas, to parents Stephen Ray Murphy and Ruth Margaretha Jesse Murphy.

Joshua was a vibrant, energetic, laughing, smiling child.  He never met a stranger.  He loved hugs, balls, and hats, especially unusual hats.  He loved jumping on the trampoline, riding his bicycle, playing with his nieces and nephews, eating, and Barney.  He could ride a skateboard at the age of two.  He loved to ride in a boat, a car, a golf cart, on jet skis, or anything with wheels.  He also loved music; his favorite song to sing was “Happy Birthday.”  He was very social and loved school and horseback riding therapy.  He graduated high school on time, at age 18.  He was on the Mabank Special Panthers Special Olympics team for several years.  He earned medals for track, bocce ball, and bowling.  He could run as fast as lightning!

His father, Steve, said before he was born, “this baby is going to be special and will touch many lives.”  We could have never fathomed how true this would become.  Joshua was, and is, loved by many people, young and old.  His spirit will live on in our hearts as long as we live.  He leaves a legacy of love, a precious spirit, and a child-like innocence that we will always remember and treasure.  No more pain, no more limitations.  Run free, Joshua.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Stephen and Ruth Murphy; brothers Stephen Charles Murphy and wife Kathryn, Jesse Barnes Murphy and wife Danielle, and Richard Wayne Murphy and wife Julia; nephews Hayden Murphy, Richard Murphy, and Carter Murphy; nieces Peyton Murphy, Emily Murphy, Cattleya Murphy, and Hannah Murphy; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Al and Jean Jesse, his paternal grandparents, Robert and Bette Murphy; uncles Robert Murphy, Jr. and Terry Murphy; and aunt Shari Huey.

Pastor Joe Mendez, with Liberty Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas, and Associate Pastor Rod Millsap, with Living For the Brand Cowboy Church in Athens, Texas, will officiate for the Murphy family.  Pallbearers are Stephen C. Murphy, Jesse B. Murphy, Richard W. Murphy, and Juan C. Figueroa.  Honorary Pallbearers are Cory Lewis, David Walker, James Walker, Hayden Murphy, Philip Varner, and Chase Holland.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the MPS Society.  mpssociety.org, One Time Donation.