William Murphy Obituary

William Jerry Murphy ("Bill" or "Mr. Bill")

February 1, 1938 - January 16, 2025

Grave Side Services

January 24, 2025, at 12:30 PM

Pontotoc City Cemetery

Murphy-Webster Family Plot

William Jerry Murphy passed away peacefully, going to be with his Lord and Savior on January 16, 2025, in Biloxi, MS. Bill was born on February 1, 1938, in Algoma, Mississippi, to Jerry Colton Murphy and Analara (Harwood) Murphy.

He is preceded in death by his wife Norma Jean (Daniels) Murphy, both parents, his sister Susan Patricia Murphy-Lepard-Moore, his brother Edgar Larry Murphy, his son, William Jerry Murphy II, Stepdaughter Cheryl Young, sister-in-law Patricia Ann Murphy, Brother-in-laws Harold Lepard and Floyd Moore.

Bill is survived by his son, John Murphy, Step-daughter Terri Pointer, Grandson William Jerry Murphy III, Granddaughter Emily Barozinsky, Step-grandchildren, Juli Sanchez (Russ), Ami Abuan, Todd Adams, Christian Haffner (Rebekah), Micah Haffner (Andrea) Great-step children, Christopher, Sahara, Jordan, Kyra, Kellen, Tristan, Merak and special friend Miss Betty Stevens.

Bill attended Algoma High School and then enlisted in the US Army. Bill was deployed to Korea where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal. He served two years and six months of overseas. Bill returned to the United States and transferred to the United States Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in August 1961.

He pursued a career as an Ironworker, becoming a Journeyman Ironworker in Des Moines, Iowa local 67. In the mid-1960s, he joined Babcock and Wilcox, where he quickly rose to upper management. He became a lead project superintendent and regional representative. He managed the construction of many multi-million-dollar coal and nuclear power generation plants throughout the United States.

Early in the 1990's Bill semi-retired to his hometown of Pontotoc, where he owned and operated several small businesses throughout his remaining years. Bill regularly volunteered his time in the service of fellow veterans, often transporting them to and from the V.A. in Memphis, TN.

During his lifetime Bill became a Master Mason, a member of the American Legion Post 16 in Pontotoc, and other civic organizations. He was an avid golfer belonging to the Pontotoc Country Club and a pretty good dancer!

He was a man of integrity, a man of honor (his word was his bond). He cherished family and friends. Whenever you needed him, he was there. We shall miss his laughter, kindness, his joy of life, giving heart, and unique Southern sayings.

Donations instead of flowers is preferred.

Make check payable to:

American Legion Post 16

311 Center Ridge Drive

Pontotoc, Ms. 38863

Notating "Bill Murphy" in the memo