Mathew “Matt” Adrian Murphy

Mathew “Matt” Adrian Murphy, 49, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 while surrounded by his loving family.

There is no doubt about the influence that Matt has had on the many lives he has come in contact with over his 49 years here on Earth. He did not have a degree, or a title, he could not write his name, he knew nothing about money, and he used sign language to communicate. What Matt had was a special love for everyone he met, he made people smile, feel good, and he made them laugh. He did not care about a person’s skin color, age, income, title, or if they had a disability. Matt loved them just the way they were.

Matt served God with his unconditional love as an acolyte at Saint Philip’s  Episcopal Church. He never met a stranger, and he was always willing to help out in anyway he could. For 12 years Matt attended Fort Stewart’s handicapped summer camp. He never forgot his many counselors or the many friends he made while at camp. One summer Matt and his family traveled to Connecticut to attend the International Special Olympics. Athletes from over 140 countries were there, and because of Matt’s sign language skills we were all able to communicate with the athletes, and that was such a blessing to us all. Matt was a fighter, he was stronger than most of us despite his disability. After three months in the hospital and two major knee surgeries Matt won fourth place at his Special Olympics one year, he may have been last but he did it standing.

On our trips to Hinesville and Fort Stewart we would run into people that Matt knew from church, school, day camp, bowling, Special Olympics, swimming or karate, and they would always stop to say hi to Matt.  He never forgot anyone and he always greeted them with a big smile and hug. Although mentally he was at a three year old age level, there were just some things he was really smart and good at, and remembering was definitely one of them. Matt received his special education diploma in June of 1995. 

Mathew’s legacy: 1) go to church, 2) love everyone, 3) be kind to everyone.

Matt was preceded in death by his grandfather, F. Mathew Shea, his grandmother, Emileen Doran Shea, his aunt, Carol E. Shea and two uncles, James M. Shea and Larry F. Shea. 

Matt is survived by his mother, Kathleen “Bubbie” Murphy, his sisters, Ellen (Rudy) Palombi, Julie (Darren) Rhodes, Jill Perdue, Amy (Charlie) Mason, and his older brother, Robert (Victoria) Murphy, 16 nieces and nephews, extended family members and loved ones. 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that you can buy a McDonalds Gift Card or a Pizza Gift card and bless a family with it, or a donation to St. Philips Episcopal Church in Hinesville.

A celebration of life to honor Matt will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Hinesville with Rev. Dee Shaffer officiating.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home, Flemington, is handling arrangements.
 

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