Perry Leonard Murphy, Jr., loving husband and father of two passed away peacefully in Amelia Island, FL on February 6 at age 90.
Born on September 2, 1932, Perry grew up in Evansville, IN and Owensboro, KY. After High School, he joined the Army and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return he attended Brescia College and married Wanda Westerfield Murphy, his wife of 43 years. They raised two sons, Jeff and Tim.
Perry spent his working years at L and H Drilling Company and Texas Gas Transmission Corporation. He showed both of his sons the value of hard work by spending many evenings earning a little extra for his family by drafting at the kitchen table.
Perry loved serving his church, Hall Street Baptist, where he was a Deacon, Sunday School director, choir member, and prepared many seasonal decorations for the Christmas Cantata and Valentines banquets. He especially enjoyed lending his Bass voice to narrations and the Barber Shop quartet.
He was a member of the Owensboro Masonic Lodge, attaining the level of 3rd degree Master Mason.
He is survived by his sons Jeff (Melonie Stewart) Murphy of Amelia Island, FL and Tim (Shai Moffett) Murphy of Lexington, KY and their families. Perry, known as “Daddy Baba” to his grandchildren, loved visiting his family in retirement and spending time with his 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Perry Sr., his mother Thelma, and his wife Wanda Lee Murphy.
Growing up, both sons spent many an enjoyable summer evening hacking at golf balls with Dad, while only Jeff went on to have a respectable game.
Perry was a faithful servant to his country, his family, and his church. Always quick with a smile, and kind throughout his life, he will be greatly missed.
Our thanks go out to all of his friends and the incredible staff at The Retreat at Osprey Village. Their love and compassion made his last remaining years some of his best, and he was surrounded by their friendship and outstanding care until the end.
A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023 with a funeral service at 2:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Rosehill Cemetery directly following the service. All services will be held at James H. Davis Funeral Home 3009 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.