Mr. Charles William "Billy" Murphy, age 70, of Martin, GA died Sunday, April 11, 2010 at AnMed Medical Center surrounded by his family.
Born January 11, 1940 in Anderson, SC, he was the son of Rev. W. Crate Murphy of Anderson, SC and the late Bertha (Hatcher) Murphy. He retired from the National Guard after 32 years of service. He was a lifelong carpenter and handyman. Mr. Murphy was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was an avid gardener and he loved gospel and bluegrass music. He enjoyed playing his guitar. Mr. Murphy was greatly loved and although he will be missed by his family and many friends, they find comfort knowing that he has extreme joy in being with his Heavenly Father.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife of 47 years: Margaret (Mitchell) Murphy; son: Mitch & Lori Murphy of Lavonia and their children: Ashley & Andrew; son: Micah & Ashley Murphy of Bowling Green, KY; and daughter: Michelle & Kelly Ashworth of Canon, and their children: Grace, Noel, Mercy, & Caleb; sisters: Betty Murphy of Anderson, SC and Emily Wyatt & her husband Larry of Augusta; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Harvill & Rev. Bill Stacey officiating. Burial will follow with military honors in the church cemetery with Rev. David Wilson & Dr. Larry Finger officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 2:30 p.m. until the service hour.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. At other times the family will be at the home of Mitch & Lori Murphy. Flowers are optional or memorials may be made to the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Building Fund.