Robert William "Bob" Murphy

Robert William “Bob” Murphy beloved husband, father, uncle, and friend died peacefully in his sleep on June 7, 2024.

Bob was born April 16, 1953 in Saginaw Michigan to Leon and Clara Murphy. It was his father, Leon, who introduced Bob to the game of golf that would become his lifelong passion. Bob played football, basketball, and golf for Saginaw St Stephens HS (now Nouvel Catholic Central), and upon graduation in 1971, Bob played golf for Delta College. After earning an associates degree from Delta, Bob attended Michigan State University and graduated from the turf management program in 1976.

Bob began his golf course management career at Greenville Country Club where he made lifelong friends and cherished fond memories. Bob moved to Battle Creek and operated Riverside CC from 1995-2006. Upon his retirement, Bob enjoyed being a starter at Bedford Valley GC and volunteering for numerous golf events around Battle Creek. 

Bob was a longtime supporter of the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools (BCACS) and could often be seen supporting his children in sporting events, ushering masses, and volunteering at school related events. He was a yearly fixture at the Masters golf tournament and wouldn't miss Nouvel’s homecoming game and the camaraderie with his high school friends that preceded it. 

Bob will be remembered for his love of family and friends and his friendly demeanor that left everyone with a smile. He is preceded in death by his parents Leon and Clara, and sister Diane. Surviving is wife of 36 years, Laurie, children Kyle (Indianapolis, IN) and Kellie (Mt Pleasant, MI), siblings Jim (Kathy), Marilyn (Scott), and Ron (Yoshiko) and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Robert William”. 

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2024 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church, Battle Creek.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics Michigan and the American Diabetes Association. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Bob may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.