William Edgar Murphy

William Edgar "Ed" Murphy was born March 09, 1939 in Shreveport, Louisiana and went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 30, 2017, following a brief illness. Big Ed, the gentle giant, was a graduate of C.E. Byrd High School, where he was quite active in both the band and JROTC. He held Bachelor of Science Degrees in both Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. He served his country with pride in the USAF, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. He was assigned to NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, working alongside German physicist, Dr. Werner Von Braun in developing the Saturn space rocket program and overcoming heat shield failure on re-entry nose cone capsules for manned spacecraft. Ed was a member of First Baptist Church.

Upon release from active duty, Ed returned to Shreveport, LA and was one of the first engineers hired by Western Electric company. He remained with Western Electric throughout all their name changes, and took great delight in saying he was the one who turned out the lights for the last time at the plant on Mansfield Road in 2001. It was at Western Electric that he met and married the love of his life, Beverly.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Robert Thomas Murphy and Sibyl Wimberley Murphy, and by his oldest brother COL James Robert Murphy, USAF. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Beverly, and by his children, Tanya Harmon and husband Keith, Dana Casey, Susan Murphy; seven grandchildren, Kristen Johnson, Lauren Corley, Zac Hunley, Logan Harmon, Landry Harmon, Grace Harmon and Stella McCarty and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his older brother CAPT Thomas Fortson Murphy, USNR/USMM (Ret.), niece and nephews, and a host of friends.

Ed’s hobbies ranged from weight-lifting to competitive marksmanship sports. He was well known for his knowledge of and expertise with firearms. Ed was also known for his dry and witty sense of humor, including his hilarious one line “zingers.” His passion was studying the Bible and his great love and care for his wife, Beverly, exemplified Ephesians 5:25. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.” Ed Murphy will be remembered by many for his smile, kindness, humor, and his genuine love for the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made for Dementia Research to Alzheimer’s Association by mail - PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011 or online - alz.org.

10 a.m. Visitation & 11 a.m. Service on Saturday, December 9th at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home,