Bill Winton Murphy

Bill was a native of Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Winton Murphy and Gladys Fowler Murphy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Murphy; his sisters, Lynn (Jack) Taylor of Grovetown, Georgia, and Kim (Mark) Jefferson of Cumming, Georgia; and two stepdaughters, Jennifer Labant (deceased) and Alisa (Chris) Wisner.

Bill was baptized at Fleming Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia, and had been a devoted member of Westside Baptist Church for many years.

After retirement, Bill enjoyed gardening, birding, and reading. He especially loved spending time with his rescued dogs, Charlie, Taffy, and Ella.

Bill delighted in being an uncle and took great pride in being present and engaged in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He treasured their accomplishments and brought a special warmth to their lives. His regular early-morning phone calls just to check in will be deeply missed.

Bill cherished his relationships with cousins and friends as well. From long phone conversations to staying in touch with those who lived far away, he valued connection. He enjoyed planned gatherings, both informal and formal, and was always ready to help in times of sadness or difficulty. Bill was known for lending a listening ear, a helping hand, or keeping loved ones in his prayers. He was the friend who would drive you to a doctor’s appointment, bring treats for your dogs, or share vegetables from his garden—or a sweet treat, which was usually chocolate.

In addition to those already mentioned, Bill is survived by five nieces and nephews: Scott (Monica) Taylor, Anne Rachels, Vaughn Taylor, Summer Jefferson, and Reid Jefferson; and ten great-nieces and great-nephews: Asia Taylor, Logan Taylor, Winton Taylor, Perseus Taylor, Madelynn Taylor, Jackson Rachels, Taylor Rachels, Payton Rachels, Locklyn Taylor, and Vanilla Taylor.

Active pallbearers will be Shawn Canfield (Martinez, Georgia), Reid Jefferson (Cumming, Georgia), Scott Taylor (Augusta, Georgia), Vaughn Taylor (Evans, Georgia), Keith Wilson (Martinez, Georgia), and Chris Wisner (Graniteville, South Carolina).

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, 4255 Columbia Road, Martinez, Georgia 30907.The funeral service will follow immediately at 12:00 noon at the same location. The funeral service will be officiated by Senior Pastor Dr. Robert Lehn of Martinez, Georgia, and Reverend Jimmy Fowler of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Shawn Canfield, a close friend, will also speak during the service.Interment will take place afterward at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2700 Deans Bridge Road, Augusta, Georgia 30906.

With gratitude, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Southern Souls Rescue, 3902 Adams Chapel Road, Harlem, Georgia 30814, or to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, North Carolina 28607.