William T Murphy

William Taylor Murphy most recently of Shippensburg was called home to be with his Lord on Thursday, June 18, 2020, at 1:40 pm while in the Chambersburg Hospital.

Bill was born on November 5, 1928, near Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania, to the late Foster Rosswell Zang Murphy, Sr. and Hazel Helena (Reed) Murphy. He was preceded in death by his brother, Foster Rosswell Murphy, Jr. and sister, Wilma Helena Baum. Surviving sisters are Janet Elizabeth Howell (Wayne) of Camp Hill and Shirley Romayne Rice (James, Sr.) of Helena, Montana.

He married Sara Elouise ‘Sis' McMillen on June 18, 1949, in Winchester, Virginia. She was the daughter of George McMillen and Sara Rice of Kistler. Bill and Sis were married for 53 years before her death in 2003. His passing was on their anniversary.

Also surviving are three children, William D. Murphy (Connie) of Shippensburg, Connie E. Smith (Harold) of Loysville, and Julia A. Doebler of Lewisburg.  

“Pappy” was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Sherri Lynn Betarie (John), Christopher Murphy (Jackie), Dee Goodhart (Mark); Christina Straub (Stephen), Daniel Smith (Kelli), Janelle Archey (Brian); Megan Douglass  (Geoffrey), Monica Hilton (Nathan R.), Melanie Kelchner (Justin), and Trae Doebler. In addition, God gave him a love for babies and blessed him with 24 great-grandchildren who were his greatest joys. He was Uncle Bill to dozens of nieces and nephews, and they held a very special place in his heart.

He is also survived by Ruth Ann Noss, his best friend and companion for the past few years.

Bill worked for Wentzel’s Feed Mill and the Harrisburg State Hospital in his youth before starting his career as a truck driver, driving for Cooper-Jarrett Inc. for over 30 years and Yellow Freight until his retirement in 1990. He was extremely proud to have received the Million Mile Safe Driving Award for his company. 

In recent years, he attended First Assembly of God in Shippensburg and was faithful in his attendance and opportunities to worship God.

Services will be provided by Nickel-Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home in Loysville, Pennsylvania, and burial will follow at Centre Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Loysville.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his memory, we would be pleased if you “pay it forward” and bless another life in your path.

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