Joseph Howard Murphy, 59, passed away Saturday, September 10, 2022, after a courageous nine week battle against an illness.

Joe grew up in South Louisville in the close-knit Standiford neighborhood with his home on Garden Row. He attended Prestonia Elemtary and Durrett High School, graduating in 1981 - the final year that Durrett existed as a school. He participated in many activities at Durrett, but will forever be remembered as having the distinction and honor of being Durrett's last student council president. After high school, Joe started college at Eastern Kentucky University, later transferring to the University of Louisville where he earned an Associate of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology. This was followed by over three decades of outstanding service to our medical community as a radiologic technologist, receiving numerous accolades and commendations along the way. Joe was truly a healthcare hero. He worked right up to the very day he was admitted to the hospital.

Joe was particularly skilled in CT scanning, and a generation of physicians leaned on Joe for guidance, advice, and help with diagnosing and treating illness. But most importantly, aside from his exceptional practical skills, it was Joe's kindness, compassion, empathy, and love for his countless patients that set him apart and truly defined his career. Joe would never rush his patients. He treated each patient as family, providing comfort, care, and when the situation called for it, prayer. Joe was simply the best.

As good as he was at his profession, Joe was not all about work. Joe loved to play. He played guitar, smoked the best ribs in town, and loved to travel with his family and friends – especially to country music and rock concerts and to his favorite place on earth, Disney World.  And Joe loved his dogs.

A man of deep conviction and faith, Joe grew up at Highland Park Christian Church and is a long time member of the Fern Creek Baptist Church, where he served in many leadership roles, such as: trustee, youth mentor, church maintenance, planning committees, and helping out with recreational activities. He loved his men's Bible study group. Joe was a friend to all - steadfast, loyal and honest. You could always count on Joe to come through for you, put you first, and be your rock. Even in his difficult passing, and especially in the courageous way he fought to the very moment God called him home,  Joe's life was and will forever be a testimony to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

First and foremost, Joe was a family man. He was a devoted husband, loving son, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and friend. And in the last weeks of his life, God's grace allowed him to be surrounded by many of those who love him, sharing stories, hugs, kisses, smiles, winks, and tears.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved father, James Howard Murphy; and treasured cousin, Laura McCoy Grimes.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of thirty-two years, Marsha; sons, Chadwell (Miranda), Hunter, and Carter (Bree); grandson, Atlas; mother, JoAnne McCoy Murphy; and brother, James Patrick Murphy, M.D. (Adele); Marsha's parents, Frances and Dave Chadwell; niece, Sara Nelle Murphy; nephews, Cameron and Kellen Murphy; aunts, Dorothy Nell Crooke (Alton) and Helen Rose Grimes; uncle, Wayne Murphy (Rachel); Joe's many cousins; his church families from Fern Creek Baptist and Highland Park Christian Church; along with his co-workers through the years and Joe's innumerable friends.

Visitation is from 2:00-8:00pm on Friday, September 16, 2022 at Fern Creek Baptist Church, 5920 Bardstown Road, Louisville KY.  Joe's funeral and celebration of life will be at noon on Saturday, September 17, 2022, also at Fern Creek Baptist Church.

The biggest UofL fan there ever was, Joe's family has declared his funeral a "Red Out," so feel free to honor Joe by donning red Cardinal apparel along with Joe's signature look, blue jeans.

Memorial gifts can be made in Joe's honor to: Fern Creek Baptist Church or Barktown Rescue, Boston, KY.