William Franklin "Bill" Murphy, age 80, of Galax, went to heaven, February 18, 2018.

Bill was born in Galax on March 17, 1937 to Robert L. Murphy and Hazel Phipps Murphy. Bill graduated from Galax High School and joined the United States Airforce. Bill is married to Linda Livesay Murphy. Bill and Linda were happily married for over 40 years.

Bill and Linda owned and operated Oldtown Market in downtown Galax for 30 years. Bill and Linda's "adopted daughter", Carolyn Roberts, helped run the market. Bill was well known for his generosity to his community and friends. Bill was a Christian and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Galax since early childhood. He served on several church boards and committees. Since 1973, Bill was a member of The Loyal Order of Moose Galax Lodge 733. Bill proudly served his country in the US Airforce as a USAFSS Morse Intercept Operator in Greenland and Iceland. He was a member of the Blue Ridge Country Club for many years where he enjoyed playing golf and cards with his friends at, as he affectionally called it, "the senior daycare". Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He fished, kayaked and gardened. One of his fondest memories was fishing in Canada with his best friend, Bobby Thomason, for over two decades. Bill cared for every stray animal that crossed his path and had a special bond with his dogs.


Bill is survived by his wife, Linda of their home. His sons, Jadd Murphy, Bryan Murphy (wife, Angela). His daughters Vickie Murphy, Lisa Ousley (husband, John). His grandchildren, Justin Lineberry (wife, Micheal), Austin Lineberry (wife, Elizabeth), Adam Houk (wife, Ashley), Erin Rodgers (husband, Austin), Mason Murphy, Grant Murphy, and Adeline Murphy. Great grandchildren, Wyatt Lineberry, Noah Lineberry, Will LIneberry, Emmett Lineberry, Briggs Houk, and Grey Rodgers. His niece, Roberta Murphy Nester (husband, Terry) and great nephews, David Nester and Sean Nester. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Hazel Murphy, and brother Robert Murphy Jr.


A "celebration of life service" will be held in the First United Methodist Church in Galax on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at 6 p.m. by the Rev. Richard Gregory and Rev. John Ousley. Visitation will be at the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) Galax from 4 p.m.- 6 p.m. before the celebration of Bill's life. The family suggest that memorials may be made to the Kid Junction Ministry at the FUMC Galax, P.O. Box 445, Galax, VA 24333