Donald Eugene Murphy

Donald E. Murphy, aged 89, passed away in his sleep on August 7, 2024. He was born in Mingo County, Thacker, West Virginia on April 16, 1935. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Elaine O. Murphy, his sons Bryan Murphy and Kevin Murphy, four stepchildren, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Donald is also survived by two siblings, Shirley Anne Fields and Larry Murphy.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, Walter James Murphy and Margaret Kelly Murphy; his brothers Robert Lee Murphy, Rayburn Edward Murphy and his daughter, Cathy Lynne Murphy.

Upon graduation from High School Donald joined the United States Navy in 1955 where he served as a First Class Electrician. He was attached to the USS Saratoga CV60. He retired with an Honorable Discharge in 1977.

After his retirement from the Navy, he worked as a First Class Electrician for Civil Service, Public Works Center in Norfolk, Virginia where he finally retired.

Donald served the Lord in several churches during his adult life. He served at the Church of Christ in Norfolk as a Deacon. He also served at Princess Anne Plaza Baptist Church, Virginia Beach, as a Greeter and Children’s Sunday School teacher, and lastly at Kempsville Baptist Church in Virginia Beach where he served as a greeter and parking lot attendant. He was always very dedicated to those positions, to the church, and most importantly reading his Bible and prayer.

A celebration of life will be held at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel, on Saturday August 17, 2024, with his Pastor, Dr. Kelly Burris, officiating. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. and the service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Colonial Grove Cemetery, 3445 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach 23456.

Memorial donations may be given to The Gideon’s International or flowers.

Thank you to all who have shown your love and compassion to Donald and Elaine.