Frederick "Fred" William Murphy

Mr. Frederick “Fred” William Murphy, age 93, of 10725 Mt. Cross Rd., Danville, VA, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2019 at his residence. He was the last survivor of his generation.

He was born on May 24, 1926, in Pittsylvania Co., VA, to the late John William Murphy and Hettie Doss Murphy.

Mr. Murphy was a tobacco farmer, and he was a member of the Canaan Primitive Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and church trustee. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Murphy was drafted into the Navy when he was eighteen years of age. On his twentieth birthday (May 24, 1946), he came under the Golden Gate Bridge on his way back home from overseas, after serving his tour of duty in World War II.

In October of 1943, he met Frances “Billie” English and married her on April 14, 1949. They were married 54 years before she passed away on February 24, 2003. During their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Murphy shared a passion for travel and traveled 49 states within the US and six foreign countries.

He is survived by his daughter, Joan Murphy Saucier and her husband, Mike; and grandson, Melvin Cody Murphy.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Murphy was predeceased by his wife, Frances “Billie” English Murphy; son, William David Murphy; and siblings, Frances M. Giles, Myrtle M. Thompson, Merkley M. Giles, Bectrice May Cradock, Connie Jefferson, George Murphy, and Percy Murphy.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at Barker Funeral Home with Elder Mark Terry officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-9959.

Barker Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Murphy family. 

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