Celina, OH – Roy Jack Murphy, 76, of Celina, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 6, 2026, at the Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater.
He was born the son of Ora Jack and Betty Marcelle (née Coby) Murphy on Oct. 9, 1949, in Celina. On July 13, 1985, he married Robbie Schott, who survives living at their residence. He is survived by two children, R.J. Murphy and Keely Moore of Xenia and Jennifer (Todd) Germann of Celina; eight grandchildren, Kaitlynn Brown, Elizabeth Murphy, Kylene Murphy, Jade Murphy, Amelia Murphy, Kayleigh Germann, Zaiden Germann, Bentley Germann; nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Karen Gillis of Celina and Jill Sutter of Celina.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Murphy was preceded in death by his son, Mike Carroll; his sister, Nancy Ritchie; and his brother-in-law, Paul Sutter.
At a young age Mr. Murphy found a love for horses; it became his passion and livelihood. He was an owner, trainer, driver and breeder of Standardbred racehorses for more than four decades. Mr. Murphy never met a stranger, and he enjoyed talking to people about horses and was dedicated to one love, harness racing. His deep love for family, friends, horses and his faith will never be forgotten. Especially all of his friends at the Motor Inn, where he enjoyed spending hours.
He was a member of the United States Trotting Association.
Funeral services for Mr. Murphy will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday (Aug. 12) at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Christian and Jeff Monfort officiating. Burial will follow in the Mercer Memory Gardens Cemetery in Celina. A visitation for Family and friends will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lehman-Dzendzel Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the United States Trotting Association or Gideons International. Condolences may be shared with the Murphy family online at LehmanDzendzelFH.com.