**Special Tributes**

To honor Keith’s deep love for music and his spiritual devotion, a special mandolin performance will be held during the celebration of life on November 22, 2024, at the family’s home. Members of Keith’s church band, the Harmony Strings, will play a medley of his favorite hymns, including “Amazing Grace” and his signature piece, “Ashokan Farewell,” which he often performed at local coffee shops and Sunday services. The performance will be led by his longtime friend and fellow musician, Sarah Bennett, who shared many stage moments with Keith over the years. This tribute will allow attendees to reflect on the joy and peace Keith brought to others through his music, a gift that touched countless hearts in the London, Ohio community.

A Legacy of Service: Keith’s Military Journey

Keith Jamal Murphy’s commitment to service was a cornerstone of his life, most notably through his honorable tenure in the Navy, where he served from 2009 to 2013. Enlisting shortly after graduating from Ohio State University, Keith felt a deep calling to give back to his country, inspired by stories of his grandfather Harold’s service in World War II. During his four years of active duty, Keith was stationed aboard the USS Carl Vinson, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, where he worked as an electrician’s mate, ensuring the ship’s electrical systems ran smoothly during critical missions. His dedication and skill earned him the Navy Achievement Medal in 2011 for his quick thinking during a power failure that could have jeopardized a deployment in the Persian Gulf. Keith often spoke of that moment with humility, saying it was simply his duty to keep his shipmates safe.

Keith Anthony Murphy’s life was a testament to the power of love, service, and joy—a melody of kindness that will echo in the hearts of all who knew him. From the basketball courts of Belmont High School to the deck of the USS Carl Vinson, from the coffee shops of London, Ohio, where his mandolin sang, to the quiet trails of the Hocking Hills where he taught his sons to dream, Keith lived with an unwavering commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. His laughter filled rooms, his generosity lifted spirits, and his dedication inspired countless acts of goodness. As a devoted husband to Jessie, a loving father to Keith Jr., Luke, and Jake, and a steadfast friend to so many, he built a legacy that transcends time.

A Gathering of Love: Celebration of Life

A celebration of life will follow today’s service, May 21 2025, at the Murphy family’s home, where friends and loved ones are invited to share stories, enjoy Keith’s favorite barbecue recipes, and honor his memory with laughter and fellowship. This gathering will be a testament to the warmth and hospitality Keith always extended, bringing together the community he loved so dearly to celebrate his remarkable life.

date of service 5-21-2025