Murphy M. Davis passed away peacefully at his home on January 12th in Bolton, Mississippi. Murphy was born in Lumberton, MS on January 7, 1922 to the late Murphy and Willie Mae Davis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Faye Ivy Davis, daughter, Wanda Daniel, and brothers, T.M. Davis and Jewel Davis.
Murphy grew up during the height of the great depression. He began working at a young age, foregoing most of his formal education to provide for his family. Though he had limited education, he had a penchant for numbers and math and a dedication for hard work that would define him his entire life. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp, before going to work for a large pecan and quail farm operation, owned by Dr. C. C. Bass in the Columbia, MS area. He soon worked his way into managing the operation, which supplied many of the finer restaurants in New Orleans. At the onset of World War II in June 1942, six months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Murphy registered for the United States Army at the age of 20. He took his basic training in Illinois and was then stationed at Camp Shelby before being deployed out of New York for the European Theatre with his first stop in England. In June 1944, Murphy was assigned as a supply corpsman in General George Patton’s Third Army Division and went ashore on Utah Beach during the Normandy invasion. He was hesitant to share his stories of General Patton and the initial invasion, continuing through the liberation of France, Belgium, and Germany, but he had incredible stories about the hardships of war. It is obvious why his generation with their fortitude and resolve to win the war made them The Greatest Generation. When asked if he was ever scared, his answer was not until he was shot at by a sniper while “taking care of business” sitting on a log. A bullet went between his arm and his side, missing him by inches. He said from that minute on, his fear was gone.
Returning stateside after the war, he went to work for Packard of Jackson. He would often work six days a week, then work on vehicles on his own often late into the night and on weekends. This led him to opening his own business, Davis Auto Repair, in Jackson. Murphy also became a real estate investor in numerous properties in the Jackson Metro area and a cattle farmer. His careers would span over sixty years. Never forgetting where he came from, he believed in hard work, saving money and living a “no frills” life. He was seldom bothered by the pressure of running a business catering to the public, and when asked about why he always seemed calm, his answer always was, “After the war, it’s all been downhill”. Anyone who knew Murphy will recall he addressed most everyone, “Hey Boss!” with his charming smile and “three finger” wave. Murphy will be remembered as a fair and honest business owner who rose from a meager beginning to become a successful entrepreneur.
Murphy is survived by his brother H.L. Davis (Joanna) of Byram, granddaughters Lisa Daniel McAdams (Mahlon) of Bolton and Kim Daniel Irby (Jim) of Jackson; Great grandchildren, Ian McAdams (Allyson) of Madison and Meredith Massey of Jackson; Great Great Granddaughter, Ann Clayton McAdams of Madison.
The family would like to especially thank the primary caregivers Audrey German and Christine Jackson who cared for Murphy with dedication, warmth and compassion. We would also like to thank Lorann Roby and Sheila Hilton for also assisting in Murphy’s care.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made to Hospice Ministries, 450 Towne Center Blvd., Ridgeland, MS 39157.
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