Kenny L. Murdock

---

Kenny Lee Murdock wasn’t your ordinary or run-of-the-mill man, husband, father, grandfather or brother.

He was a legend.

He was bigger than life itself.

He was something special.

Starting as a child with a gift for music and a crooning voice, Kenny played in his family’s band, even if it was just the triangle. His love for music grew from there. He could bring tears to anyone’s eyes because of the sincerity that resided in his voice when he sang. He would sing his daughters to sleep, strumming his guitar, and everything felt right in the world. His passion and dedication to his craft even led to him taking the stage at the Grand Old Opry. It was one of his proudest moments.

All Kenny really wanted was the people around him to enjoy music and be comforted by it. Playing music was his biggest way of expressing his love. If there was a song you wanted him to play, he would master it. His daughter Sharon even had the country boy playing Metallica when she was in high school. He played it with the biggest smile on his face, because he knew his daughter thought he was a Rockstar.

He was, and still is, a Rockstar to his biggest fans: Linda his wife; his daughters: Melissa, Laura, Diana and Sharon; his surviving sisters: Brenda and Karen; as well as his numerous grandchildren: Brian, Rozalynn, Emma, Rachel, Kaleigh and Rebecca.

Kenny’s caring nature came out in his own unique ways. He was the go-to. The man that could handle it all, with a feisty response, of course. The man with all the answers. The man with gun knowledge a mile long. The person you went to for everything: good, bad, sad and anything in-between.

Kenny would sit with you and make you feel like you were the only one in the room. He’d tell you imaginative stories that would whisk you away from reality. His reality was much more fanciful, given with exuberant details that would make you shake your head and smile.

Most of his stories were of him in his element: the great outdoors. He’d passionately recount each tale for you, so you could feel like you were there with him. He wanted you to go hunting with him, see the things he saw, feel the sun on your skin, the gun in your hand. His dry sense of humor and witty personality kept you hooked. By the time he was done, everything felt ok again, and you would carry those words with you forever.

His storytelling was truly a gift, and you’d consider yourself lucky for hearing one of his tales. And if you knew Kenny, you’d definitely hear one. Treasure it forever and probably re-tell it a few times yourself.

If that didn’t cut it, Kenny’s trusty guitar was never too far away to sing you a song, any song. He’d often take requests. Everything he was and did as a person was for those around him. In his bigger-than-life gruff, harsh exterior, lived the soul of a gentle man who loved with every fiber of his being. Every moment he had was spent tirelessly taking care of the people around him, even to his own detriment at times.

Selfless is an understatement to describe Kenny. He would fight through many health problems without complaint, just to make everyone’s life a little easier. He didn’t stop. He would generously and arduously provide for anyone that needed it, never asking for anything in return. He’d slap his sneakers on and get to work, even when his face and sometimes attitude, couldn’t help but show how much pain he was in.

Kenny was one of those rare old-school men who didn’t mind grinding every day because he loved so deeply and truly. Misunderstood at times, he was the epitome of a Saint: someone who — regardless of any injury, set back, or diagnosis — still put others first.

“That’s Kenny!” was a statement many people have exclaimed. He was a Character in the best way possible. King among men. When someone said “Kenny,” everyone knew who you were talking about and would crack a smile. It’s hard to put into words how amazing he truly was.

Kenny will be joining his mother and father, Eunice and Eugene, and his brothers Curtis, Tom and Robert to jam out together and regale each other of things they missed out on and maybe the pranks they intend to play on the rest of us.

Rest peacefully, Kenny.

The family is observing his passing in private.

In lieu of flowers we are asking that notes of memories past be sent to his family at 2102 Hathaway Dr., Brunswick, OH 44212 And/Or make a donation to a musical charity of your choosing, in his honor.