Paratransit Rider Spotlight: A Century of Murphy Whisnant

Published on May 17, 2024

by Natalie Bouchard
Communications Division

A Century of Murphy Whisnant 

Meet Murphy Whisnant, a remarkable individual who just celebrated his 100th birthday alongside CATS.

Born in the heart of Charlotte on West 7th Street between Tryon and Church Street, Murphy is truly a local Charlottean. Murphy's dedication to service began early, as he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving from 1943 to 1946. His commitment to duty laid the foundation for a lifetime of giving back. 

Now in his centennial year, Murphy continues to embody resilience and independence. While he still drives his own car, he has embraced the convenience and companionship provided by the Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) paratransit services for the past five years. Utilizing the service two to three times a week, Murphy cherishes the opportunity it affords him to remain connected with his community while navigating the challenges of mobility. 

What truly sets Murphy apart is not just his remarkable longevity or his military service, but the profound impact he has had on those around him. The operators of CATS hold him in the highest regard and their admiration for Murphy is evident in the care and respect they show him with each journey. He talks about how paratransit operators assist him to his door and ensure his comfort throughout the ride. 

CATS officials recently paid Murphy a special visit to celebrate his 100th birthday. Their thoughtful gesture speaks to Murphy's significance within the CATS community. The employees at CATS really cherish riding alongside people like Murphy. 

Murphy Whisnant's story serves as a reminder of the diverse community that makes up CATS’ ridership.  As we celebrate Murphy's 100-year milestone, let us also take a moment to reflect on the countless stories of the people at CATS that make our community thrive.

Learn more about Murphy's story by watching the video Riding with Murphy Whisnant on the CATS YouTube Channel.

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