Chuck was born on March 12, 1930 in Boston, Massachusetts and was raised in Quincy, Massachusetts by the Quincy Bay. He was a graduate of Syracuse University where he was captain of the crew and president of his fraternity. He married his college sweetheart, Mary Louise Fielder, shortly after college. He spent 3 years in the Navy as flight deck officer. After the Navy, he worked for Mobil Chemical (initially Kordite) until his retirement. During his tenure at Mobil, Chuck and Mary Lou lived in Upstate New York, Georgia, and Illinois.
After retirement, Chuck and Mary Lou first lived on their sailboat for 4 years sailing the USA’s east coast and in the Caribbean. Their next move was to Seabrook Island, SC where they entertained their kids and grandkids, participated in the turtle patrol, played golf, and enjoyed the ocean. Their final move was to River Landing at Sandy Ridge where Chuck made great friends, enjoyed golf, played in the band, and enjoyed watching birds and other wildlife.
His greatest joys in life were his wife, children, grandchildren, and friendships at work and in the communities where he lived. Chuck was outgoing, compassionate, and loved life. Chuck served as a Boy Scout leader, as a Yacht Club Commodore, and on various nonprofit boards. Music also was a big part of Chuck’s life. He played the trumpet in his high school band, sang tenor in several church choirs and barbershop choruses, and played the kazoo French horn in the River Landing Band.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, Chuck is survived by his son, James Murphy (Deborah Schneider) of Worthington, OH; daughter, Gail Sheffield (Mark Sheffield) of High Point, NC; and his grandchildren, Eliza, Alex, Richard, and Will. He is also survived by his sister, Grace Reinelt of Quincy, MA and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at River Landing for the wonderful love and care that Chuck received in his last few years.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Habitat for Humanity or put up a bird feeder for Chuck’s little buddies.
Online condolences for the Murphy family may be made at www.sechrestdavislexington.com
