William "Bill" Murphy

William “Bill” Murphy, age 72, was born on February 14, 1951 in Lansing, MI. He was the family’s “own special Valentine from God”. His parents Earl Alphonsus Murphy and Jane Frances Walker Murphy had 9 children: Martha (Richard) Shaw, Msgr. Michael Murphy, Patricia (Dale) Holl, Sr. Mary Ellen Murphy, S.C., Jerome (Janet) Murphy, John (Joanne) Murphy, Sr. Grace Murphy, S.C., William Murphy, Maureen (John Germano) Murphy. He deeply loved his family and reminisced throughout his life about growing up in a large, Irish Catholic family. Bill graduated from O’Rafferty High School in Lansing, MI in 1969. Despite never completing college, his insatiable curiosity made him an avid reader and lifelong learner. He was a devout man of faith, committed to discipleship and theological study. He was passionate about politics and dabbled in elections at the local and state levels. He was also a strong supporter of faith-based ministries. Bill’s Gaelic heritage imbued him with great wit and the gift of gab. He was well known to have deep conversations with lifelong friends and friendly banter with acquaintances. After suffering a major stroke in February 2009, he fought his way back toward independence. Despite limitations in his ability to express his thoughts, Bill’s positivity brought everyone smiles, laughter, and fist bumps. He was always eager to entertain friends in his apartment at Heron Manor, visit his Church family at FHBC, or chat on the phone weekly with his kids. Even with verbal challenges, he made it clear he was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He would call weekly to leave “I love you” voicemails, letting us know he was thinking of us. Bill will be remembered for his faith, loyalty, and devotion to his family. “Why? Because!” Bill is survived by his immediate family: children Joseph (Elizabeth) Murphy and Grace (Erika Anderson) Murphy, dear former wife Kim Murphy, grandchildren Shelby and Connor Murphy, his siblings and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jane Murphy, and siblings, Martha Shaw and Sr. Grace Murphy, S.C.. Services will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Forest Hills Bible Chapel 4637 Ada Dr SE Ada, MI 49301. Visitation begins at 10 AM. The funeral will begin at 11AM with a luncheon to follow. A private burial will occur at Chapel Hill Memorial Garden in the afternoon. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be available via the LiveStream link on Forest Hills Bible Chapel’s website: https://fhbc.church/live-stream In lieu of flowers, please channel Bill’s energy by engaging in an intentional, meaningful conversation about a topic near to your heart – or feel free to fist bump a stranger to spread a smile. For those who may wish to contribute to funeral expenses, the family is accepting donations via the attached Venmo. The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

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William "Bill" Murphy

February 14, 1951 - June 24, 2023