Murl Sterling Hope, Jr., 72, of Columbia, passed peacefully in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was the oldest of four siblings to be born to the late Murl Sterling and Mary White Hope. Murl worked in the automotive industry for 50 years and ended his stellar career as a service advisor at Honda of Columbia. In 1993, Murl was inducted into the Oldsmobile Diamond Vangard Gold Circle for his exceptional service and maintained membership of this prestigious group for many years. Murl earned a Bachelor of Business and Finance from his beloved University of South Carolina. An avid Gamecock fan, Murl never missed a chance to cheer on Gamecock sports while he drank his Capaccino Blast from his favorite Baskin Robins. He started his love of sports in high school and was even drafted to the AAA Braves team in college. Baseball, golf, Sunday drives, and being around his many family members were among his favorite things. Those that knew Murl best, knew he had the best fashion sense and loved to be dressed to the nines but never without his baseball cap.

In addition to Janet Fraley Hope, his loving wife of 30 years, Murl is survived by a daughter, Katherine Hope (Amy). Surviving siblings are Dolly (Ben) Spear of Fayetteville, NC, and Terry (Mary) Hope of Huntsville, AL. He is also survived by many other beloved family members including Geri Waston, Carolyn and Bill Fraley, Leigh Ann (Patrick) Whitticar, Nicole Frick (Aaron) and Wil, Jennifer Gonzalez, and Christina Kyzer. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Johnny; and oldest daughter Jennifer.
The family would like to extend a special thank you and gratitude to the nursing staff of The Heart of Hospice Midlands and Providence MUSC Heart Wing.

The family will receive visitors on Friday April 28th from 5pm until 7pm at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. A service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 29th at the Shives Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to MADD of South Carolina, 421 Mission Court, Irmo, SC 29063, Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29201, American Heart Association, 190 Knox Abbott Drive, #301, Cayce, SC 29033, or a charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.