William R. Murphy

Bill grew up in Chicago and attended Leo High School, where he was a star halfback. He attended Indiana State University on a football scholarship and was starting fullback on the varsity team. He then joined the Army and was a cryptographer with the Army Security Agency. He married Pat and they settled in the Chicagoland area to raise their family. He continued to love football and was an avid Nebraska Husker fan. After his military service, Bill worked in sales for most of his life. A majority of this was spent at Roadway Express and Dohrn Transportation. His love of people and easy-going manner made him a multiple award winner.

Bill and his wife, Pat, moved to the Phoenix area in 2013 and he continued his love of sports, learning Pickleball and playing regularly, and serving as the vice president of the pickleball club.

But Bill’s great love was that for his family. He is survived by his wife, Pat, children Pamela (Jerry) Harris and Michael (Karen) Murphy, siblings Donna Eggars and Ed (Gloria) Murphy, grandchildren Nick Harris, Tegan Cervantes and Clare Murphy, as well as 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

Bill will be fondly remembered with a huge smile, a love of family, faith in God, and a laugh that would light up a room.

A family and friends Celebration of Life for William will be held Monday, October 17, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 14818 W Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, AZ 85375. A funeral mass will occur Monday, October 17, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Prince of Peace Roman Catholic Parish, 14818 W Deer Valley Drive, Sun City West, AZ 85375. A committal service will occur Monday, October 17, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations to Leo High School Scholarship Fund or Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation in his memory.

Leo High School: 7901 S. Sangamom St, Chicago, IL 60620 773-224-9600

Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation – Attn: Memorial Giving Program, 2901 N Central Ave Ste 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the Murphy family.