Robert Wayne Murphy

Bob was born February 9, 1933 in Clanton, AL to the late James W. Murphy and Rita Arant. He and his family moved from Clanton to Mobile in 1940. Bob attended Murphy High School, where he joined the Alabama National Guard. Upon graduation in 1950, Bob was called to active duty and served with the US Army for 2 years. Bob then attended Spring Hill College to study accounting; however, he was presented an offer of employment he could not refuse. In 1953, he began a long and successful career with General Motors, until his retirement in 1994.

In 1955, Bob met Mary Patricia “Pat” McDonough on a blind date. They married in 1957, and shared 50 beautiful years together. As a surprise to his bride, Bob converted to Catholicism during their engagement, a testament to his deep love for Pat. After Pat’s diagnosis of early onset dementia, Bob retired early from General Motors to lovingly and tirelessly care for her at home, until her passing in 2007. He set a tremendous example of faith, love and strength of character, and was a source of inspiration to all who knew him.

Bob was a member of St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church. In addition to faith and family, he loved watching Alabama football and re-runs of favorite westerns with whomever he could convince to join him (Sibbie)! Bob is survived by his 6 daughters, Tricia M. Sehnert (Scott); Robin M. Ankersen (Barry); Lisa M. Mayer; Shawn M. Tawil (Hani); Jennifer M. Neeley; Hallet M. Culbreth (Bill); 15 grandchildren, Bobby Sehnert (Claire); Bailey Sehnert (Claire); Betsy Sehnert; Emily Ann Ankersen; Abbey A. Cox (John); Ashley A. Clarke (Will); Ellie A. Jernigan (Zach); Mary Grace Mayer; Mac Mayer; Alyssa T. Downes (Bobby); Patrick Tawil; George Bean; Madeline Culbreth; Mary Hallet Culbreth; Ritt Culbreth; and 15 great grandchildren.

Bob is also survived by his loving and devoted girlfriend, Sibbie Wilson, whose grace and presence brought much joy and happiness to him and his entire family. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pat, two brothers, Bill Murphy and Jim Murphy, his son-in-law, Rich Mayer, and his grandsons, Austin Neeley and Hunter Neeley.

Known affectionately by his grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Papa”, Bob cherished spending time with his large family at “the bay”. He was a man of deep faith, humor and generosity who offered wisdom without judgment, and love without condition. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m., until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2025, at St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church, 9101 Dauphin Island Parkway, Theodore, AL 36582. Please join the family for food and fellowship at “Papa’s bayhouse” after Mass. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 9 a.m., at Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor or St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church.