James (Ratch) Ratchford Murph Sr.

October 5, 1921 - February 17, 2009

James Ratchford “Ratch” Murph Sr.,87 formerly of Houston Rd, Troutman, passed away Tuesday February 17, 2009 at Gordon Hospice House. He was born October 5, 1921 in Cherokee County, South Carolina to the late Charles Wofford Murph and Tilitha Cordelia Hall Murph. He served in the US Army during WWII and retired from Martin Marietta Sheet Metal. He was also of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Stikeleather Murph; three brothers; two sisters; one grandson, Gregory Baudo. He is survived by one son, Jim R. Murph, Jr. and wife Sherry of Statesville; one step son, Charles Curtis Stikeleather and wife Judy of Charlotte; two daughters, Beverly J Baudo and husband Paul of Long Island, NY, Brenda Asbury and husband John of Chattanooga, TN; six grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted Friday February 20, 2009 at 3:00pm at Iredell Memorial Gardens. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the funeral hour at the cemetery. Rev. Tom Corbell will officiate. Military Rites will be provided by Iredell County Veterans Council. There will be no formal visitation although the family will assemble at other times at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.