Passed peacefully in Spokane on January 13, 2018, two days shy of 99 years old. Bill, as he was called, was born on January 15, 1919 to William Oscar Murphy, Sr., and Hilda, his wife, in Spokane.  Bill attended Franklin Elementary and Lewis and Clark High School, forming a partnership with his older brother, Thornton C. Murphy, for Murphy Bros. Construction, upon graduation.  “We move the earth” was their motto.  On Dec. 8, 1941, Bill volunteered for the Army Air Force, where he was chosen to be a mechanics instructor. 

He met his future wife Naomi Carrell Feldt in Chicago March, 1942, before he shipped to the Philippines.  Bill and Naomi corresponded regularly during the war.  When Bill returned, they married. They lived in Victory Heights Army barracks in Spokane, next door to Naomi’s sister Dell and her husband, Doug McAninch, Bill’s buddy from the service.  After the war Bill and Thornton grew Murphy Bros. to be, at one time, one of the 100 largest construction companies in the U.S.

Bill and Naomi had four children, Carol Ellis, Sheryl Langhofer, George Murphy, and William Murphy, three of whom live in Spokane today, Sheryl in Ashland.  Bill’s wife Naomi preceded him in death.  Seven grandchildren survive them. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Morning Star Foundation, which Bill and Thornton supported all their lives, at P.O. Box 31330, Spokane, WA.  99223.  Hennessey Funeral Home, N. 2203 Division, is in charge of arrangements.  Service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, Jan. 27.  A private interment with family will follow.

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