Murphy Ensley Smith

Murphy Ensley Smith, 77, of Morganton, NC went home to be with his wife and children, Sunday, July 11, 2021. Born on February 21, 1944, he was the son of the late Thomas and Bessie Smith. Murphy retired from Henredon Furniture after 30+ years. He loved to feed and take care of animals, especially chickens. Murphy loved to tell stories and was great at it. He liked to hunt and took many neighborhood kids on their first hunting trip. In recent years, he enjoyed fishing with his son, “Mouse.” Murphy enjoyed his entire life and never asked anybody for anything.

Murphy is survived by his son, Tracy Lee “Mouse” Smith; daughters-in-law, Laura Smith, Maria Smith; grandchildren, Megan Monie Rhom (Clay), Kayla McNeely, Melinda D. Smith, Courtney Smith Bradshaw (Christian), Jacob Murphy Smith, Emileigh Katherine Smith, Matthew Hefner, Mitchell Hefner, Katelyn Wilcox; great-grandchildren, Camren Rhom, Caiden Rhom, Amelia Rhom, Paislea Rhom, Athen Bradshaw, Tayleigh Bradshaw, Graylen Mace; 8 brothers and sisters, a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to his parents, Murphy is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Epley Smith; daughter, Jeannie Smith; sons, Tony Allen “Bo” Smith, Terry Ensley “Buck” Smith; granddaughter, Terri McKenna Smith; brother, Albert Smith.

The family will receive friends from 11am until noon, Friday, July 16 2021 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home at noon. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the South Mountain Children’s Home.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.