Bill Murphy, age 82 of Benton, passed away on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at his home.
William “Bill” Denzil Murphy was born on January 5th, 1943 in Lafayette, Kentucky to George Denzil and Charlene Pendleton Murphy.
He graduated from Christian County High School in 1961 and from Murray State University in 1965. While at Murray, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He served for 4 years in the U.S. Army from 1965 until 1969. He graduated from Ft. Rucker Army Helicopter School in Alabama and flew Air Ambulance Helicopters during his one-year tour in Vietnam.
Before his Army service, Bill had married Nancy Williams in the First Christian Church. After getting out of the Army, the couple returned to Benton to live, work, and raise their family. Their family became active members of the First Christian Church. Bill served as a deacon and elder there for many years.
Bill retired from the Purchase Area Development District in Mayfield. Bill also found great reward in capturing memories for others through his photography. For more than 50 years, he could be found on courts, playing fields, in classrooms, and at wedding sites in Marshall County preserving the important moments of our lives.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy Williams Murphy; two sons, Will Murphy (Patricia) of Hickory and Daniel Murphy (Kasey) of Benton; one brother, Tim Murphy (Pam) of Hopkinsville; five grandchildren, Charlee and Kayden Jo Murphy, Destiny Dickson, Danielle Burton, and Patrick McKenty; and one great-grandchild, Kash Burton; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service was held on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025 at Collier Funeral Home with Rev. Kristi Stuckel officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to: First Christian Church Youth Ministry, 2515 Main St, Benton, KY 42025 or Marshall County Exceptional Center, P.O. Box 423, Benton, KY 42025.
