Murphy Clark Ward Sr “Oney”, passed away peacefully at home on August 23rd after a valiant battle with kidney disease at the age of 86. Born to the late Kermit and Ruby (nee Phillips) Ward in Pike County, Alabama on December 23, 1939. Murphy spent his childhood and teenage years growing up in Brundidge, Alabama. After traveling around many states, he would come to live and make his home in Edgewater Park for 54 years.

Murphy proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1967. During his service, he was stationed aboard the USS Bordelon, where he worked as a ship fitter and served during the Vietnam War. His time in the Navy also helped him develop the welding skills that would become an important part of his career after his military service.

Following his honorable discharge, Murphy began his civilian career at Modern Packaging, where he worked as a printer. He later pursued his passion and talent for welding, working at Paducah Pipe and eventually at several other companies, including B&L Contractors, where he worked until his retirement. Murphy was also the longtime manager of the Pennsauken Drive-In Theater, a role he held for many years and one that became another memorable chapter in his working life.

Murphy was an active and proud member of his community. He belonged to the VFW in Delran, the Beverly AC Club, and the Burlington TK, Moose and Elks Clubs. He was also deeply involved with the Victor Emmanuel Club in Burlington City, where he proudly served as president before the club's closing.

A lifelong sports fan, Murphy could often be found cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. But his Alabama roots never left him, and he remained a devoted supporter of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Roll Tide!

Above all else, Murphy cherished his family. Affectionately known as “Pop Pop,” he was the person everyone could count on. There was seemingly nothing he couldn't fix, repair, build, or figure out. Whether it was a broken appliance, a household project, or simply a problem that needed solving, the call was often the same: “Pop Pop to the rescue!” He was truly the family fixer—the person who could do just about anything and who was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Murphy's family meant the world to him, and he meant the world to his family. In retirement, he and his beloved wife, Barbara, enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Maryland, creating memories with their family and especially enjoying time with their great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his brothers Lafayette “Jim” and Billy. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Barbara (nee Cameron), daughter Beverly (Bob), sons Murphy Jr (Cindy) and Kevin, three grandchildren Melissa (Phillip), Leigh-Anne (Marissa) and Zachary and two great-grandchildren Emily and Jameson. He is also survived by his siblings Rossi, Ben, Alice, Donna and Rickey, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Murphy will be held on Friday, August 28th from 9:30am to 11:30am followed by a memorial service at 11:30am, both at Weber Funeral Home, 112 Broad St., Riverton, NJ 08077.  Interment will follow at 1:30pm at B.G. William C. Doyle Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ.

The family would like to thank DaVita Willingboro Dialysis Center for taking such good care of him and all his other doctors and health care workers over the years. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund 1530 Wilson Blvd, Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22209.