veteran

Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Wayne Murphy

Oct 31st, 1924 - Apr 30th, 2019

   Albert Wayne Murphy, age 94, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 30, 2019, at Flora Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

   He was born October 31, 1924, in Hoosier Township, the son of Albert Randall and Zella (Chandler) Murphy.  He was united in marriage to Louise Marie Smith on May 22, 1948, in Flora, and together they shared 67 years until her death February 6, 2016.

   Wayne served in a medical unit with the US Army during World War II and was among the first to land during the D-Day invasion of Okinawa.  He later served in Korea.  Wayne was a past longtime member of Flora First Christian Church where he served as an elder and taught Sunday School, and he recently requested to renew his baptism at Red Brush Christian Church of Louisville.  He was also a member of Flora American Legion Post #14.  Wayne’s career was spent in the oil business, from the early days of working in the fields after returning from his Army service, and later going to work for Pure Oil Company.  He later owned and operated his own business, R & W Oil Company.  After selling the company and retiring, he and Louise had an opportunity to travel and see the country. 

   He is survived by his children: Linda (Gary) Schnepper of Louisville, Roger W. (Naomi) Murphy of Flora, and Cheri (Dan) Gill of Flora; 7 grandchildren: Scott (Shelley) Schnepper, Chad (Sara) Schnepper, Ryan (Sara) Schnepper, Scott Greenwood, Ashley (Chad) Harrell, Jenny (Jamie) Ayers, and Mitch (Misty) Gill; 13 great-grandchildren: Alex, Emma, Gavin, Colin, Talon, Chloe, Garrett, Corbin, Colton, Owen, Maddie, Ava, and Ellie; and a sister-in-law: Willma Murphy of Casey.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Louise Murphy; 4 siblings: Dale Murphy, Leland Murphy, Ruth Hall, and James Kenneth Murphy.

   A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2019, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  Visitation will be 10 a.m. until time of service Friday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora American Legion, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to any charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted through the funeral home.