Clarence Warren Murphy

Clarence Warren “Boodie” Murphy went home on February 1, 2025. Born on March 23, 1941, to the late Clarence Campbell and Alice Hall Murphy, he lived within one-quarter mile of his Beaverdam homeplace his entire life, except for his service in the U.S. Army. He loved his country and loved living in the country. Watching combines harvest hay in the fields across the road. Listening to hunting dogs run on a cold winter morning. The wind. Sunsets. Judging cattle for 4H. Leaves changing color in the Fall.

He married the love of his life, Patricia, on June 12, 1971, and they enjoyed over fifty-three years by each other’s side. They were friends and partners and confidants, always there for each other and each other’s greatest fan. It is difficult to imagine one without the other, “Pat and Boodie” is as ubiquitous as “peanut butter and jelly.” Together they raised two children who strive every day to live in, and up to, the example they gave.

He retired from Virginia Power/Dominion Energy with 30 years of service as a network lineman, but that doesn’t mean he slowed down. He told everyone he was even busier after he retired– busy helping friends and neighbors, volunteering at Ashland Christian Emergency Services for over 15 years and giving Mom a run for her money for even more. He liked staying busy, but he was never too busy to be there for someone else.

He is predeceased by his parents and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Pat; son, Chris, his wife, Diane, and much adored granddaughter, Annabelle, of Glen Allen; and daughter, Kate, and her husband, Travis, of Mineral. Also surviving are many beloved cousins, a brother, and 2 sisters. He left a little piece of himself with everyone he met, and his love for people just kept going. It keeps going still.

Everyone seems to have a Boodie story. Most of his tales were true. The twinkle in his eye tended to give away the rest. Rare to find and rarer to know, he was a profoundly good man, seeking the best in every person while accepting fully what he found. His legacy is simple: Be kind. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Help people. Enjoy life and love living.

The family will receive friends at Nelsen Funeral Home / Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Highway, Ashland, on Friday, February 14 from 10:00-12:00pm with a Celebration of Life starting at 12:00pm and interment at Trinity Church, Beaverdam, to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Ronald McDonald House Richmond, Virginia, https://rmhc-richmond.org