Mr. John Edward Murdock, affectionately called, “Hot Rod,” was born in Iredell County on February 25, 1959, and was the son of the late John Edward Alexander and Betty Jane Murdock. He passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at Atrium Hospital in Charlotte, N.C.

Following graduation, John worked as a cook in the restaurant industry. John loved his family and will truly be missed.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life two daughters, Sparkle Harris and Syria Blackwell; three sons, Maurice Murdock, Ajanaku Murdock, and Lamerick Blackwell; one brother, Curtis (Loretta) Alexander; one sister, Teresa (Johnny) Jones; two uncles, Nate (Lillie) Murdock and Eddie Burch; one aunt, Cynthia Holmes; three foster sisters, Pamela Anderson, Renae Polk, and Beverly Pickens; one foster brother, Tony Hayden; nine grandchildren, Amir Blackwell, Zamera Blackwell, Zariah Blackwell, Azden Caldwell, Braelen Caldwell, Isnael Damera, Ajaya Blackwell, Dayshia Blackwell, and Jaxson A. Murdock; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Services will be conducted on Friday, April 29, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home. Members of the family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. Pastor Jerry Moore will officiate and Pastor Emanuel Brown will eulogize.

Online condolences may be made at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Murdock family.