Charles A. Murphy

Charles Allen Murphy July 3, 1925-July 29, 2022 In the early morning hours of July 29, 2022, Charles Allen Murphy took his final breath while surrounded by his loving family. Charles Allen Murphy, affectionately known as Dad, Papa, Charlie, Chuck, and Murph to those who knew and loved him, was born on July 3, 1925 to William and Rhoda (Duncan) Murphy. He is preceded in death by brothers, W.J. Murphy, Harold Murphy, Glenn Murphy, Dale Murphy, John Murphy, sister Ailene Vinyard, and survived by sisters Wanda Marsh of Milwaukee, WI and Lulu Belle Rice of Carrier Mills, IL. Chuck is now reunited with his beloved Drucella Murphy, the love of his life and wife of 67 years. Charles and Drucella’s legacy remains with two sons: Charles L. (Maureen) Murphy of Evansville, IN, and Dennis (Lynn) Murphy of Harrisburg, IL, five grandchildren; Lori (Brian) Ivey, Brian Murphy, Audrey (Chris) Bernard, Amy (Barry) Wilken, Ashley Murphy Brown; as well as twelve great grandchildren: Emma, Madilyn, and Walker Ivey, Maya, Tess, and Ellis Murphy, Caitlyn and Lucy Bernard, Oliver, Ella, and arriving soon, baby Charlie Wilken, and Samuel Brown. He has two step grandchildren: Brandon (Kim) Joggerst, and Angela (Mike) Ratcliff; and five step great grandchildren: Kaden, Kendell, and Kenley Joggerst, and Preston and Kennedy Ratcliff. Charles was an avid baseball fan. When he was a young man he would often run three miles to catch a ride with his fellow teammates consisting of men much older than him. Charles gained a reputation as an outstanding outfielder and always regretted his lost opportunity to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He remained a lifelong Cardinals fan and was a master tactician of strategy for the game. The family sends their condolences to Tony LaRussa when he too reaches Heaven and meets dad. Charles was also an NCAA basketball fan. He enjoyed watching all teams compete until blindness in his later years did not allow for him to continue. Charles and Drucella thoroughly enjoyed watching their grandchildren partake in extracurricular activities and rarely missed out on any of their events. Whether it was a tap dance recital in Marion, IL, a softball game in Orlando, FL, or a local band concert, you could be certain they were there showing their support. Charles moved to Pontiac, MI, in the late 1940s to work in the auto industry. It was there that he met and married Drucella. The housing market was booming in Detroit during this time and he went into construction work for his brother-in-law, Harest Bryant. After several years, Charles and his family moved back to Southern Illinois. He initially owned and operated the Shell Service Station with his brother, John Murphy, selling gas for $0.12 per gallon. Being raised on a farm combined with his skills he learned in Michigan, Charles had become a master carpenter and realized he missed the physical labor and satisfaction that carpentry gave him. In the late 1950s Charles briefly worked for O’Keefe Lumber building homes. Eventually he went out on his own building homes and remodeling. He and his cousin, Elmo Murphy, worked together for many years. Charles’s older son, Chuck, started to work with him in the early 1970s and this led to forming Murphy Builders. As the business started to prosper in the late 1970s, Charles’s younger son, Dennis, joined them. The business continued to thrive and from Murphy Builders evolved Southern Truss Company and Murphy’s Do-It Center; both of which Charles played an integral role in their successes. Charles continued to work well into his eighties. Charles loved his trade; he loved hard work and was dedicated to being the best. But above all, his name and integrity will live on for years to come as he has passed on his traits and trades not only to his children and grandchildren, but to many young men who have worked for him over the years. The family would like to acknowledge Terry and Yvonne Rice and Jim and Gatha Hankins. What a blessing these special friends are. Thank you to caregivers BJ Bennett and Tracy Ditterline for your love and care. The amazing character of Charles will be remembered forever. He was a role model, a supporter, demonstrated unconditional love, and exemplified what family truly means. The family invites you to celebrate the life of Charles Allen Murphy at Felty Funeral Home in Carrier Mills, IL. Visitations will be Monday, August 1, 2022, from 4:00-7:00 pm and Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 10:00 am with the funeral following at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery and Reverend Harl Cockrum will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church of Carrier Mills, IL building fund or Salem Cemetery in Carrier Mills, IL. ReplyForward