Michael James Murphy

Michael James Murphy, age 68, of Kershaw, passed away Monday, May 11, 2026, at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center. Born in Manchester, he was the son of the late James Edward Murphy and Constance Gagnon Saylor.

After graduating from high school, Mike proudly served in the Air National Guard, where he trained as an electrician. He spent many years working in the electrical field before an experience doing electrical work at a prison for the mentally handicapped inspired him to pursue a career as a corrections officer.

In 1996, Mike moved to South Carolina and began working as a maintenance electrician at Kershaw Correctional Institution. Never one to sit still, he soon found himself living out his dream when he started working weekends as a gas man for a NASCAR Busch Series race team. What started as a side opportunity turned into a full-time career after he earned his CDL and hit the road with various NASCAR and ARCA race teams. Mike loved racing, the people he met along the way, and the excitement of life on the track before retiring from Ken Schrader Racing in 2018.

Mike enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved being outdoors, bush hogging with his tractor (when it was working), and mowing the lawn, even in the pouring rain whether the grass needed to be cut or not. He could often be found taking afternoon rides with his dogs, Bear (RIP), Max, and Auggie riding along beside him.

More than anything, Mike loved his family. He treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren and never missed a chance to make them laugh or take them for a ride on the lawn mower. He was dependable, hardworking, stubborn in all the best ways, and always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. His presence, sense of humor, and big heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Cindy Loftus Murphy; two daughters, Becky Murphy and Lindsey Murphy; one son, Richard Murphy; daughter-in-law, Scarlet Murphy; two grandsons, Myles Loverin and Jameson Murphy; two granddaughters, Lucy Murphy and Sally Murphy; and two sisters, Sharon Murphy and Kathy Sheldon.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home.