Randolph James Murphy, Sr. "Big Ran"

Randolph James Murphy, Sr., age 79, passed away at home surrounded by loving family following a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, March 11, 2020.  He was the devoted husband of Barbara J. Murphy for 48 years, beloved father of Randolph J. Murphy, Jr. (Deatra) and Sian Murphy (Darrell Moore, fiancée), the dear brother of Horace Cummings, cherished grandfather of 6, great-grandfather of 9, uncle of many precious nieces and nephews and loved by a host of family and friends.

Randolph James Murphy, Sr. (Big Ran) was born on December 27, 1940 to Laura White in Waycross, Georgia. He was the second oldest of four children.  As a child Big Ran was loving and kind natured.  In 1947, his family moved to Cleveland Ohio. Big Ran graduated from Thomas Edison High School and from there he entered the work force.

Big Ran was a hardworking man. He worked at Mt. Sinai Hospital and later became employed at Picker International, where he worked in the packaging department for 35 years.

In 1967, he met the love of his life, Barbara Jean who worked at Ideal Cleaners. He would not take no for an answer and the rest is history. They were united in Holy Matrimony on July 31, 1971. To this union was born Randolph James Jr. and Sian Michelle.

Big Ran loved being a husband and father. Although he could hold his own, he referred to his wife as the BOSS and his children were his pride and joy. He supported his son while he participated in boy scouts and spoiled his daughter to no end. He even played an intricate role in the lives of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Big Ran had a special relationship with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved picking up his grandson Ray-Ray from the bus stop. He also loved spending time with his great-grandkids, Lulu and Little Rich who he affectionately referred to as Irving James. They all loved him so much.

Big Ran was a die-hard sports fan. He loved watching the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Browns. He also loved having cookouts at his house. He never turned down anybody and everyone was always welcome to come by. It wasn’t uncommon to find him in the backyard grilling. He was the GRILL KING.  Big Ran loved the Christmas season because after Thanksgiving, he would begin putting up his Christmas lights. He always had a friendly competition with his best friend Johnny Frank, to see who could put up the best lights on their homes and of course, Big Ran always won. Big Ran was also in the newspaper for his decorative Christmas lights; they were the bomb. Big Ran loved sitting on the porch with his dog Punkin. He loved going for walks or just driving by himself listening to his jazz. Last but not least, he loved to play the lottery with his favorite number being 214. Big Ran believed in God but his religion was, don’t put your hands on his family because you will then have to answer to him. Yet, what was most important to him was his wife; if she was okay, then he was okay.

Big Ran departed this life peacefully on March 11, 2020 surrounded by his family. Big Ran was predeceased by his mother, Laura, sister, Maudine and brother, Robert. Big Ran leaves to cherish his memory: His wife of 48 years, Barbara. His son; Randy Jr. (Deatra). His daughter; Sian (Darrell). Brother; Horace. (6) Grandchildren; Antonio, Antoinette (Richard), Amaretto, Ryan Ameer and Ramir (2) Great-Grandchildren; London and Richard IV; A host of sister in laws, brother in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of family and friends.

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