Obituary of Robert Murphy

Funeral services for Robert " Bert " Murphy age 75 of Columbia will be held 2pm Tuesday May 1, 2012 from the sanctuary of Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Ed. Smith and Rev. Brian Rankin officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in the Bethany Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia. Visitation will be on Monday evening April 30 at the Bethany Baptist Church from 5pm until 8pm. Robert " Bert " Murphy was born on October 26, 1936 at Rayville, LA to the union of his parents Charlie Murphy and Virginia Platt Murphy. He passed from this life on Saturday April 28, 2012 following an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and by 3 brothers Charles Murphy, Lonnie Murphy,and David Murphy and two sisters,Betty Garner and Ouida Murphy. He was a United States Air Force Veteran having served twenty five years, and a member of the Bethany Baptist Church. He served as a minister for forty years in California, Oregon, and Montana. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he loved to fish. Those left to cherish his memory include, his beloved wife of fifty two years, Lavada McLemore Murphy of Columbia; his son, Bobby Murphy, Jr. and friend Debra Hernandez, of Houston, Texas; and daughter Sandy Farrell and husband Andrew of Hot Springs, South Dakota. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Adam Staeben, Matthew Staeben, Gracie Farrell, Chris Murphy, Karilyn Murphy, and Billy Murphy; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers include Adam Staeben, Andrew Farrell, Len Winquest, Charles Meador, Buddy Bailes, Bob Farrell, Rusty Meador, and Tyron Beckley.