Roy Millard Murphy
August 18, 1921 - January 31, 2014
Obituary
Roy Millard Murphy, age 92 and longtime resident of West Seattle passed away suddenly Jan 31, 2014. He was born in Wyatt, MO. August 18, 1921. He was fondly known as George, Papa, Pops and Dad.
He managed to live a long life without really being old. Dad added things up the old way using pen and paper and said “aught” instead of zero. He was pretty good at using his cell phone and was always saying “I’m going to send you a twixt”, his word for text. He enjoyed piddling around in his garage and he could reinvent just about anything.
“George” worked a variety of interesting jobs
throughout his life, railroad worker, bellhop, farmhand and eventually retired from Boeing in 1981 after 25 years. He was never once bored after his retirement and kept busy until the very last day.
He leaves behind 4 children, Sharon Storbo (Bellevue), Kurt Murphy (Tacoma), Tandy Murphy (Kingston) and Kaleen Klein (Salt Lake City) as well as 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 yrs, Millie, in 1996. Sadly within 1 hour of his passing his granddaughter, Tami Murphy, age 41, passed away from breast cancer in Portland OR. We believe he stepped in front to lead her along the way.
Eighth of fifteen children, he is survived by his sisters, Mildred Krauss (PA), Ann Munzyk (NY) and brother Rexford Murphy (MN) as well as nieces and nephews too numerous to count.
The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Antezana for providing peace of mind to our Dad over the last 7 years.
Dad we love you. You should have had the garage sale!
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm, Feb. 22, 2014 at the Bonney-Watson Chapel, Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA. 98188. Interment and reception to follow
We ust loved talking to Roy about the family and genealogy. He will be missed. His family is in our prayers.
Dad you were a great father and mentor for the 61 yrears I knew you. You taught me alot about life and what to expect. Some of the things I do now is because of what you told me or showed me. I remember that whenever I called you would check me off on the calender and when I made a visit i’d get a big check, those days are now over.. You have met up with mom and Tami followed in your footsteps May you all be resting in peace
Love your son, Kurt
Dad, I miss pulling your boots off already. You know I said the umbilical cord would never be cut but its cut now and I will be fine. When I was young you played catch with me after work and let me build some pretty amazing things with you in the garage. You taught me not to be afraid to take things apart and see what they were made of and to actually put them back together again. The term “pull a Murphy” is a term we all use when we have to come up with some creative way to get something accomplished such as you did when you would tie yourself to the roof in order to fix the shingles or how you managed to move that piano all by yourself. You were always there for me after Mom passed and were an amazing Papa to my 3 kids. You still dressed up to fly on an airplane, that’s just who you were. I will forever remember your swear words and funny jokes. I will try to stand up more when I eat just like you. Love always and say hi to Mom and Tami.
It is obvious that you, the Family, have experienced a tremendous loss. May the peace promised in God’s Word at 2Corinthians 1.3,4 sustain all of you and help you endure. Trust in God, He is there and will provide whatever you may need to get through this very tough time of pain and sorrow. God also promises to resurrect our dear loved ones sleeping in death back to life on earth. John 5:28,29, Revelation 21:4.
I don’t know this family, but came across this obituary. I have to say that I am struck by the love and beauty in these words shared. What a beautiful tribute and a beautiful family. You have all shared something very special and that is clear to even a stranger. May you find comfort to sustain you in your fondest of memories.
This man was a bridge that connected me to the awesome Murphy clan. My father’s brother, he was Uncle Roy to me. I loved hearing him tell stories about himself and his siblings, especially my own dad. When he brought his family to Seattle, he brought his family into my life. For that I am forever grateful. Uncle Roy, thank you for your help and kindness over the years. I love you and will miss you.
Sharon-Kurt-Tandy-Kaleen & Families
I know all of you will miss the “Dad” and “Papa” that was so much a part of your lives! He touched each of you in very different ways. How blessed he was to live a very long and healthy life doing the things that made him happy. I enjoyed my visits with him over the years. Now he’s with your Mom and Tami .What a happy reunion! You’ll always have your memories! I surely won’t forget him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Blessings to all of you. P.S. He saved the “garage sale” for you kids to deal with!