William Archie Murphy ’50

William Archie Murphy ’50, of Tyler, Tex., was called home on Feb. 26 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer over the last 10 years. He was born on Dec. 6, 1928, in El Dorado, Tex., to Archie and Birdie Murphy. He graduated from El Dorado High School, attended Davidson College in North Carolina, and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Bill loved the Lord and was a member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, where he taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. Bill loved people and lived life to the fullest. He worked hard and played hard. He, along with his family members, originally owned Broadway Furniture Co., and later Murphy’s Furniture Gallery. He loved playing golf. He always kept up on current events and enjoyed playing the stock market. Family and friends alike enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humor. He won the respect of his family, as well as many friends, associates, and former customers. Bill was a member of the National Home Furnishings Association and a charter member of The Opus Cup, as well as belonging to other social organizations. Survivors include his wife, Cleone Murphy, 829 Colonial Dr., Tyler, TX 75701; his sons, William Scott Murphy (Marion) and Don Michael Murphy (Pam); his daughter, Kelly Murphy Hodge (Gary); “Dadoo’s” nine grandchildren, Daniel Murphy, Taylor Hodge, Matthew Murphy (Katie), Nicole Murphy, Clay Hodge, Ryan Murphy, Carly Hodge, Carson Murphy, and Lacey Murphy; his sister, Ruth Wilson (John); as well as many nieces and nephews.