Arthur Bernard Murphy

Art was born April 30, 1923 in Berkeley, Ca. to Arthur and Hazel Klepper Murphy. He lived with his parents and sister Betty in Oakland where he attended Freemont High School. His father and Uncle Fred worked at the PeterBilt factory and Art spent summers working on the line. This is where he learned the work ethic he followed all his life.

He was an excellent athlete and excelled in gymnastics, baseball and football. He received a scholarship to play football and baseball at the University of Oregon. In 1941 he was a freshman when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. He enlisted in the Marine Corp and was transferred to the University of Southern California. While taking training at USC he was able to place baseball for Coach Rod Dedeaux.

He had just turned 21 years old when he was sent to Quantico, Va. For OCS. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in May of 1945 at the age of 22. While on the ocean heading for the pending invasion of Japan, the US dropped the bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. He was assigned to disarm the Japanese citizens on the Southern Islands. He spent time at Nagasaki and never forgot the devastation. He was discharged in 1946, having served 4 years, but remained in the reserves. He returned to USC and got his degree in business. When the Korean Conflict broke out he was recalled to duty and returned to Quantico. He was now a 1st Lieutenant and was the base Transportation Officer.

Because of his experience on base he decided to enter the Moving and Storage business. While moving the new Ford dealer to Orange, Ca. they became friends. Bill Corwin asked Art to join him in the leasing business and they founded Corwin-Murphy Leasing Co. in 1959 remaining partners until 1979. In 1982 he sold the business and retired to his home in Rancho California where he raised avocados and grapefruit. His summers were spent at his cabin in Southern Utah, enjoying visits from friends, his children and grandchildren. In the winters, in California, he enjoyed playing in golf tournaments and with friends at Pauma Valley Country Club.

His Couples Bible Study was a blessing to him for over 30 years. He also attended the Saturday Morning Bible Study, led by Pastor Steve, at Rancho Community Church. He appreciated the love and prayers he received from these friends in his last days.