William "Bill" Murphy's Obituary
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Philippians 4:8
William Eugene "Bill" Murphy
May 7, 1944 - May 13, 2024
Bill was born on May 7, 1944, in Winnfield, Louisiana and went to be with the Lord on May 13, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. Bill is preceded in death by his beloved parents Lola & Dero Murphy, his sisters Annie & Ivy. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Carmen, brother-in-law, James Blackwell, brother Ron (Sylvia), sister Donna (Willie), brother Mike (Debi) and sister Dorothea. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, Bill was loved & respected by many. Bill was a faithful & loving husband, a wonderful big brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin & friend.
Bill’s example of protector, provider and leader will be missed the most. He gave his life to Christ and never went back. Carmen brought him to Centro de Vida, and it became his church. He always told everyone that “I came for the food at first, but I stayed for the spiritual food that transformed my life.” Bill was a man of God, a man of his word, a mentor to all young and old, a church elder and leader, a professional athlete, and a fighter until the end!
At an early age, Bill loved sports and showed that he was a gifted athlete. Even as a child, when his father was stationed in Germany, Bill was playing baseball in the military supported youth league. Although baseball was his passion, he also excelled as a football player and basketball player throughout his school years. His gift in playing high school baseball led the New York Yankees to recruit him to join their professional system for several years. After the Yankees, his next stop in professional baseball was with the New York Mets where he played with their major league team. He played for several other teams before his baseball career ended, but he maintained his athleticism after baseball by playing in slow pitch baseball leagues and playing golf. He was known for his effortless golf swing and play.
Bill learned a great deal from adults who mentored him during his younger years. He passed these learning on, along with the discipline and hard work ethic that he learned playing sports, especially youth. Bill’s mentorship of young people occurred in all aspects of his life. His nieces and nephews will always remember the special time he took with them on the 4th of July when they were young. He bought fireworks each year and then set them off with their help, all the while teaching them about safety and working as a team. While employed by the Tacoma News Tribune, Bill also worked with young people who were starting out on their first job as newspaper carriers. He emphasized the need to have a solid work ethic, integrity and to plan for the future. He shared this message with dozens of carriers over time, and no doubt, had a positive impact for many. Bill also held Union positions with the Teamsters.
Living in the Northwest for the majority of his life afforded Bill many opportunities. The biggest of them was when he met the Lord and professed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Many of us can testify to this “He loved the Lord and was committed to his Christian faith”. Bill found peace, love, fulfillment, in his walk with the Lord. His life was a testimony of gratefulness, forgiveness, and service. His reason for living was his love for God, his wife, family, and friends.
Bill would do anything to help family and friends out. He was a “Jack of all trades” and could be called on to help fix a car, plumbing, painting, and a host other fixit jobs. His payment was usually a cup of coffee and a good conversation. Bill was loved by many and gave of himself to many.
Bill, you will be missed but NEVER forgotten. We will celebrate the blessing of having you in our lives. Rest in glory! You are forever loved.
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