William Carl "Bill" Murphy

William Carl "Bill" Murphy of Moran, MI and formerly of Portage, MI





Bill, age 80,died on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at his residence.


Bill, the son of Gibson and Margaret (Hazen) Murphy, was born on May 2, 1930 in Otsego, MI. Bill served his country honorably in the United States Navy as a Seaman Apprentice and furthered his sea career in the Merchant Marines after his discharge from the Navy in 1948. He was a Journeyman Machinist by trade with a shop near Martin, MI for a number of years. Bill also was a long distance trucker; owned and operated a marina in Fort Myers, FL and at one time owned 4 shrimp boats. He and his wife, Esther owned and operated Murphy's Grocery Store on West US # 2 near Moran for a number of years. Bill finally retired in 1992, but still ran his machine shop from his home. His passion in life were his shrimp boats and a deep-sea fishing boat that he converted to a commercial fishing boat.


Bill was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Esther May Smith on November 7, 1951 in Otsego, MI. Surviving is his wife of 59 years, Esther, now of Battle Creek, MI; his daughter, Kathleen Kay (Paul) Hawley of Fort Myers, FL; his grandson, Kelly Shea Woodhouse of St. Augustine, FL; a step-sister, Jacqualine (Albert) Walthuis of Mattawan, MI; a step-brother, James (Diane) Murphy of Vicksburg, MI and several nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Herb Thome, who raised Bill; a granddaughter, Bonnie Marie Woodhouse and a great granddaughter, Emma Lauren Woodhouse.


The Graveside Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Friday, September 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI will full, military honors bestowed by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel is in charge of all the arrangements.