Rollie Bill Murphy

Rollie Bill Murphy, 75 passed away on May 30th in Wolfforth Texas. Funeral services will be held at the Sunset Church of Christ in Lubbock. Burial will be in Girard Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home.

Rollie was a member of the Sunset Church of Christ where he served as a greeter for many years.

Rollie attended schools in Kermit, Girard TX, and Farmington NM. The day after he turned 17 he enlisted in the United States Army and served on active duty for 22 years. He spent 12 years overseas including three tours in Germany, a tour in Okinawa and Vietnam. Rollie attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8). Military awards include The Legion of Merit, Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Rollie continued his education in night school earning an AA from the University of Maryland, a BA from New York State University and his MA from Webster University.

After retirement from the Army Rollie went on to work for Pfizer-Roerig as a pharmaceutical sells rep. Rollie enjoyed calling on Physicians and Pharmacists and won many sales awards and sales trips. Rollie had a territory that covered most of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. He proudly sponsored all the Texas Indian Physicians Society (TIPS) meeting for 15 years in Lubbock, Odessa, Midland and Amarillo. Rollie was the only pharmaceutical sales rep that was made and honorary member of TIPS an honor he was proud of.

Rollie met the love of his life in Genova, Italy, Luciana Cioffi, who worked as a book keeper and translator for Piago, the company most famous for making Vespa scooters. They met in March of 1962 and were married at the Church of Christ in Verona, Italy in December of 1962.

Survivors include his wife Luciana (Cioffi) Murphy, His sons; LTC (RET) Vincenzo and wife Lili of Austin and Marcello and wife Tasha of Austin. He also has a daughter Nancy (Murphy) Bowles and husband Jason of Albuquerque, NM. Sisters Joan Pitts and husband Bill of Kefier, OK and Cassie Bryant and husband Larry of Esterville, IA. His Aunt Nancy Jo Beaver of Sierra Vista, AZ. His daughters-in-law, Marilyn Murphy of Albuquerque, NM and Angi Macho of Austin; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren with one on the way.

He was preceded by his parents Bill and Werdna Lee Murphy. His step dad, Al Niemczak, his sister, Patsy Harrell, and his son, LTC Dino L. Murphy.

Rollie was a life member of the VFW and the Disabled American Veterans. Memorials maybe made to the Lubbock Children’s home or to the Sunset school of Preaching in Lubbock or the memorial of your choice.