Obituary of William Forrest Murphy

William Forrest Murphy, 60, of Niles, passed away after an extended illness on Saturday, March 2, 2019, with his family by his side.

Bill was born on November 17, 1958, to the late Forrest and Marilyn (Grabner) Murphy in Niles.  After graduating from Niles High School in 1978 Bill went on to attend technical school.  He spent many years as a welder and manufacturing foreman until his health prevented him from working. Bill was a University of Michigan Fan through and through; he always believed they would “pull through” even when it wasn’t looking hopeful.  He also followed the Minnesota Vikings. 

Bill’s proudest accomplishments in life were his children and grandchildren.  He always bragged about them and was the happiest when he was spending time with them. He was the most supportive father and friend anyone could wish for.  Bill also enjoyed hunting, fishing, having lunch with his sisters, watching Star Trek and hanging out with his friends at Martin’s Supermarket.  In his younger years Bill also enjoyed playing ball, he even held a record at Babe Ruth Stadium and set the record for longest shot-put at Niles Junior High School.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his children, Jamie (Kurt Miller) Cooper of Goshen, Ashley (Eric) Neff of Niles, Emily (Mike) Tharp of Niles, Jessica (Roger) Tharp of Eau Claire, and Spencer Murphy of Elkhart; grandchildren, Heaven, Ryan, Amelia, Logan, Izabella, and Bryce “his bubba”; siblings, Kelly Murphy, Cindy (David) Rice, Katie (Ken) Paquette, and Jenny (Phil) Haden all of Niles; and many extended family members and close friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Niles at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jim Wing officiating. Interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

Friends are invited to bring a copy of any pictures they may have of Bill for his children to keep as a token of remembrance.

Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the family to help with his final expenses or to the American Kidney Foundation.  The family would like to extend their deepest heartfelt thanks to the staff, nurses, and caregivers at Fresenius Kidney Care, to the Memorial Hospital nursing staff, and to his friend and the mother of his children Pamela Murphy for always taking excellent care of him when he needed it most.