Paul Francis Murphy

Paul Francis Murphy – husband, son, uncle, brother, friend – 59, of Knightdale, NC, exited stage left, Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 following sudden illness.

More importantly, in his final curtain call, Paul was surrounded by music he loved, the inappropriate humor and laughter of friends and chosen family, and the unwavering love of his biggest fans... Through tears of heartache and bittersweet gratitude, Paul left this

realm well-loved.

However tragically unexpected, if it must be so, it was a good ending to a life well-lived.

We should all be so lucky.

Affectionately known as ‘Paulie’ to those who’ve loved him best, at his core, Paul was first and foremost, a Friend... A kind and compassionate friend. A trusted, helper and caregiver friend. A quick-witted, hilarious friend. A bonus son/brother and favorite uncle

friend. A gentle and generous friend. A sometimes annoying, always loveable friend. A big ole softie and big animal-lover friend. A well-read, knowledgeable, and interesting friend. An always-ready-for-a-silly-adventure friend. A makin’ up goofy tall tales friend. A warm,

intelligent, fun, supportive, solid, dependable, irreplaceable, one-of-a-kind, leave-a-big-damn-void-in-his-wake friend... A best friend.

Paul’s story began in rural Beaver County, Pennsylvania, as the son of Anne and Norman and the youngest of five siblings. Paulie made his way to the greater Raleigh area in 2003, via Asheville, Cary, and Ohio. Eventually finding home in Knightdale, where Paul

lived with his beloved of 22 years, Kim, and the various fur children that have passed in and out of their lives over time.

Paulie never met a stranger and never had an unkind word. To know him was to love him and be loved by him. Being loved by a dude like Paulie meant he frequently ran out to support friends and neighbors in need (sometimes strangers too) – broken down, out of

gas, moving furniture, errands, nonprofit fundraisers, even picking up other people’s kids from school and caring for his favorite nieces... Wherever he could help, Paul was that guy friends could count on.

For near 18 years, alongside his partner, Kim, (sister-in-law, Cyndi, and their mother, Jackie) Paul was actively involved in the support of local special populations and for the last 6 years had been in-home support family, best-bud barista, and co-caregiver to the

one and only, Isabel, master-magic-and-mischief-maker... Paul had the patience of a saint.

Paul was also the guy who enjoyed an intellectual conversation about world economics over a good cigar, or football trash-talking (a Steelers fan ‘til the end). He loved good food, good friends, and good times – not necessarily in that order. He was a riot at parties and

on game nights. Paul was eternally curious about life, people, history – was always open to learning, sharing knowledge, and having new experiences. He adored being Liz and Paislee’s, ‘Uncle Paulie.’ He was always down for a spontaneous beach trip with a small

gang of special population friends, where literally anything might happen (and often did).  He’d roll with all the punches for those he loved, and well, Paul loved most people because he had so much to give... And to be loved by Paulie also meant that, at some

point, you were going to get lightheartedly teased or pranked, because laughter was Paul’s loudest love language. He loved to laugh, and make folks laugh.

Laughter, after all, is medicine.

Paul made people feel welcomed, safe, seen, and genuinely cared about... His mark on this world was one of love, laughter, and friendship... What a Gift.

Post Script: Once upon a time, when Isabel was about 6-7 (not long before Kim and Paul showed up in her life), she was asked what she wanted to be... Little Sparky replied in ASL (American Sign Language), simply, “friend,” – as if there could possibly be anything

better than that.

Nope, they just don’t make ‘em quite like that anymore. Godspeed, Paulie.

Paul is survived by his wife, Kimberly Culliton-Murphy; sister-in-law, Cynthia Culliton-Stone (Robby), two beautiful nieces, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Hope and Paislee-Lynn (Paislee) Marie Stone; father-in-law, Paul Culliton (Jeanne Miller), two puppers, Kyra and

Charlie, and best-bud, Isabel De la Cruz (also known as, ‘Sparky’). Paul is also survived by brothers, Ron Murphy (Paula) and Jim Murphy, both of Florida; Steve Murphy (Marge) of Hendersonville, NC; and sister, Patty Priddy of Texas. And a whole lotta friends, nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones that meant so much to Paul.

Preceded in death by parents, Anne Jordan Lakins and Norman Lee Murphy, and mother-in-law, Jackie Nelms Culliton.

A remembrance celebration to honor Paul’s life is set for April 12th, 3 o’clock pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, North Carolina.

Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to your favorite animal rescue organization, with gratitude.