Johnny Cripps Murdock

Johnny “Jay” Cripps Murdock, 71, of Biloxi, MS, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Friday, April 28, 2023.

Jay was the first born to his two wonderful and loving parents, Johnny Walker Murdock and Norma Jean Murdock on February 3, 1952, in Albany, Georgia. They were a proud military family, and Jay graduated from Leilehua High School in Wahiawa on the island of O’ahu, Hawaii in June 1970. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1976 where he majored in Biology. After college, he worked for many years in the insurance industry, but eventually decided to pivot toward something more in line with his college degree. Jay went back to school at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Gulfport and earned his Associate of Nursing Degree in 1993. He spent the majority of his 20+ year career as a Registered Nurse at Memorial Hospital at Gulfport. He also enjoyed travel nursing in northern California later in his career. He always said that he sold people insurance when he was young, and they became his patients as they grew older. That was very special to him.

Jay loved to surf in his youth and enjoyed sailing and being out on the water. Music was a passion of his, and he loved to listen to music and see his favorite bands play in concert. At family gatherings, he would love to sit and play the guitar with his father, brother, and other family members while all the gals played the spoons. He also loved to play golf and was an avid reader. He especially loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy and read it to his daughter from a young age. He was a proud father and loved to watch his daughter, BreAnne, perform in plays and musicals on the Gulf Coast.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Walker Murdock; and ex-wife, Cheryl Ann Amacker Murdock whom he remained close with until her passing.

Jay leaves to cherish his memories his daughter, Laurel BreAnne Murdock and fiancé Aron McDaniel; mother, Norma Jean Murdock; brother David Murdock (Clarine); and sisters, Teresa Kingrey (Norm) and Nancy Hasskarl (Leif). He was also loved by his many nieces and nephews and beloved family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 PM on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Pass Road. Friends may visit one hour before. A committal service at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens will be scheduled at a later date.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral home is honored to serve the family and friends of Johnny “Jay” Cripps Murdock.