Harry James Murphy OBITUARY

Harry James “Sonny” Murphy, 75, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023. Born in Washington, Sonny moved to Pleasanton CA as a toddler and lived all of his life in the Bay Area prior to his move to Granbury TX in 2018. When Sonny was born, his father named him Harry James; his mother said, “Call him whatever you want, I’m calling him ‘Sonny’.” His father and grandfather trained racehorses, so Sonny lived, grew up, and in his teen years, worked on horse and cattle ranches. Sonny attended Amador Valley High School and was an active member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Sonny earned his bachelor’s degree in Business and enjoyed a long career in the corporate world as a successful and respected businessman at Grand Auto and Central Garden & Pet. Sonny took time to get involved in his children’s activities, from going on 50-mile canoe trips with his son Taylor’s Boy Scout troop, to helping his daughter Cherish’s high school spirit club build floats for Homecoming. Later, Sonny took up running and playing recreational soccer, as well as volunteering at church. Sonny was the best of men and husbands. He was the quiet, humble, servant who never wanted attention; a man of integrity, faith, and commitment to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Sonny was preceded in death by his father James, his mother Anita, and his brother Daniel. He is survived by his wife Sandra Stagnitto Murphy; his son Taylor Murphy, Karen (wife) and their children James, Darren, and Kate; his daughter Cherish Guardado, and her children Keilah (husband Kory) Gaviria, Natalie (husband Joseph) Brookhouse, Anna Guardado, Samuel Guardado, and Ethan Guardado; his stepson Robert Allan (wife Jennifer) and their children Andrew and Ryan; his stepdaughter Lisa Allan Court (husband Bobby Jack); his great grandson Atlas Guardado, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Grace Bible Church in Granbury TX.