In Memory
William James Murphy
January 19, 1948 ~ June 17, 2025 (age 77)
William was born on January 19, 1948 to the union of the late William E. and the late Lydia M. Murphy in Union City Tennessee. He passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Beacon-Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Indiana.
William’s parents moved to South Bend, and he attended Wilson and Harrison Elementary schools and graduated from John Adams High School. After graduation he went on to attend Indiana University at South Bend. In 1968 William joined the U.S. Army where he earned the rank of Sergeant. In 1970 he was honorably discharged.
On June 22, 1971 William married the love of his life Barbara L. Wilson. William and Barbara have celebrated 54 years of marriage. Together they raised four wonderful and lovely children: Orlando Murphy, Michael T. Wilson, Juana White and James Murphy.
William’s employment history includes L.S. Ayers, the South Bend School Corporation, Ramanda Construction Company, The South Bend Police Department (Detective) and finally the Juvenile Justice Center. He enjoyed working with youth and went on to become a Big Brother with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of St. Joseph County.
William was a member of Laymen Chapel CME Church for more than 50 years. He was a great singer, and a member of the Laymen Chapel Male Choir. William didn’t just sing in the choir he was a lead singer on many songs. He was a great door-keeper/usher at Layman Chapel. Every Sunday that he went to church you could find him standing at the door to welcome all into worship. William’s presence at church made everyone feel safe; in other words, he was the church’s security officer without the title. William assisted with other ministers of the church such as Stewards, Trustees, and Chef. He was a really great cook and was noted as the grill master of both the Wilson and Murphy families. William never met a stranger especially those who were attracted to his hazel-colored eyes.
William loved being around his children and grandchildren. They enjoyed when he cooked because they knew it was going to be finger-licking good. He also enjoyed family gatherings of the Wilson’s and Murphy’s. He was respected and loved by all. William affectionately known by many different names, Murph, Dad, Granddad, PawPaw, Unck, Mo-Mo, Chick Chick Red, Brother-in-Law and Bill. He responded to all of them.
William was a Notre Dame and Green Bay Packers fan. He also enjoyed watching the NASCAR races and although he would not admit being a fan of the show, Gunsmoke on the TV several times a day.
William is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Murphy; his sons, Orlando (Tiffany) Murphy and James Murphy, and daughter, Juana White; his grandchildren, Quentin Wilson, Zackary Wilson, Tajarae Murphy, Whitnee Murphy, Tiara Murphy, Annyca Scott, Michael T. Wilson Jr., Peyton Wilson, Marshal Wilson, Mitchel Wilson, Jaymes Murphy, Jaysha Murphy and Armand White; 12 great-grands; his siblings Barbara Weymon of Cassopolis, Michigan, Mary Buchanan of South Bend, and Annette Clayton of Houston, Texas. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Along with his parents, William was also preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Powell and his son, Michael T. Wilson Sr.
William will be dearly missed by his family, extended family, church family and all his friends.
6/25/2025 djb
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