Franklin L. Murdaugh, Sr.

Franklin Layvonne Murdaugh, Sr., 89 of Hampton, SC passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025.  He was born February 10, 1936 in Yemassee, SC to the late Cornelious Franklin Murdaugh and Irene Gibson Murdaugh.  He was married for 61 years to the late Queenie Davis Murdaugh.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Tamra Murdaugh Bishop (Randy) of Brunson, SC, Franklin L. Murdaugh, Jr. of Summerville, SC, and Neal R. Murdaugh (Shellie) of Early Branch, SC; grandchildren, Carrie Bess Bishop Benton (Robbie), Leanora Bishop, twins John and Gilbert Murdaugh;great-grandsons Oran Benton and Robert Benton; sister, Loraine M. Ferguson of Beaufort, SC, and brothers-in-law Daniel P. Davis of Allendale, SC, and Jackson Zipperer of Murfreesboro, TN; sisters-in-law Frances Murdaugh of Hilton Head, SC and Verlie Murdaugh of Jacksonville, FL. There are numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately called him "Uncle Bubba" and "Uncle Frank".

He was predeceased by a special uncle and aunt, Harold and Carrie G. Sineath. Along with his father and step-mother, Erneal D. Murdaugh, they raised him and his brothers and sisters in Early Branch.  Uncle Harold and Aunt Carrie loved Franklin as their own son and provided a home full of love after the death of his mother when he was two years old.  Uncle Harold and Aunt Carrie's influence on Franklin and the entire family is an unmatched example of how a family should provide for, support and love one another.

He was also predeceased by brothers Clifton, James, Wesley, and Ralph Murdaugh; sisters, Mary M. Peeples and Jo Ann Pittinger; daughter-in-law Angela Grace Murdaugh.

Franklin attended school in Early Branch, Yemassee, and graduated from Varnville High School in 1953.  He worked for multiple jobs including Herndon Trucking in Hampton before enlisting in the South Carolina National Guard.  He then began a full-time career in the National Guard, working for over 40 years, rising through the Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1996. He enjoyed his many assignments and considered it a privilege to serve his community, state, and country.

Franklin also served as a volunteer with the Hampton Fire Department from 1967 to 1989.  He coached Little League baseball, served on the Booster Clubs for Hampton-VarnvilleLittle League football and Patrick Henry Academy.  He also was a South Carolina High School League umpire for many years. Some may also remember him umpiring church softball. Many people came to know Franklin while he was a carrier for The State newspaper. Later in his retirement, he enjoyed working on the farm and going to the farmer's markets.

Most importantly, he was a member of and worked tirelessly at Sand Hill Baptist Church and West End Baptist Church.  He held my many positions including Deacon, Sunday School and Training Union director and teacher, Royal Ambassador leader, and treasurer.  He also served as the clerk for the Allendale-Hampton Baptist Association and worked with the Association to build Camp Jackson. His love of family was second only to his commitment to the church and to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family would like to thank caregivers who assisted over the past few years including a special niece, Trudy Murdaugh, Mark Thompson, RN, Kathy Connelly, RN, and Domeeka Garrett, CNA, of Amedisys, Cynthia Wilson, Juliette Alexander and Terry Jarrell.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Monday, December 8, 2025 in the Chapel of Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home located at 300 Mulberry St. W., Hampton, SC 29924. Burial will follow in the Sand Hill Cemetery near Varnville.

Visitation will be from 3 PM - 5 PM Sunday afternoon, December 7, 2025, at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home, Hampton Chapel.

Memorials may be sent to Sand Hill Baptist Church, 15480 Pocotaligo Road Varnville, SC 29944 or Connie Maxwell Children's Home, 810 Maxwell Avenue Greenwood, SC 29646.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Murdaugh family during this time.