Herbert R. Murphy

He lived a humble life, a life that was dedicated to his family with hard work and integrity. He met the love of his life, Joyce Murphy, and was married for 59 years until she was called to Glory January 16, 2018. Through that union, God blessed them with 7 children.

Dad worshipped at Yeshua Church of God in Christ, where he was baptized and ordained as Deacon Murphy.

He worked a few jobs before beginning his career with Ayer Corporation where he eventually retired as a concrete finisher. He poured and finished many prestigious buildings from here to DC with fine craftsmanship.

In 1971 he returned to his homeplace in Bristow, VA to build a home for his family. He cleared the land in preparation. Board by board, brick by brick, he did just that. Dad would relate this into a life lesson for us all, stating “Whatever you do, always start with a solid foundation if you want it to last”. This home would become home to his children, grandchildren, family, extended family and anyone else that may have been going through and needed a place to stay. The yard could be found FULL at anytime with family cooking out, playing volleyball, kickball, softball etc. The laughs, the joy and bonds that were built are with us for a lifetime.

Dad enjoyed working in his gardens (which were always so fruitful), fishing and hunting. You could always find him outside tinkering on something, whether it was a car, lawn mower or tractor…it didn’t matter, he was going to fix it.

Dad, a man of strength, courage and determination. All of these words embody the man we call Dad, Pop, Granddad, Uncle Herbert and Big Murph.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife (Joyce Murphy), his siblings, Estelle Hogan, Marguerite Bailey, Walter Murphy, Louise Skinner, Agnes Carter, Mike Murphy and Bill Murphy. Son, Fornum Skinner & great grandson Levi Harris.

He leaves to honor his memory, his 9 children: Charese Murphy, Sandra Murphy Crespo (Edwin), Rujena Murphy, Phyllis Murphy, Herbert Murphy, Juanita Murphy, Kelly Wallace (Mike), Norma Ann Worthy (Davara), Herbert Skinner, 24 grandchildren,, 42 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Northern Virginia Baptist Center, 14019 Glenkirk Rd, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Funeral services will occur Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12:30 PM, 14019 Glenkirk Rd, Gainesville, VA 20155.

Burial will occur Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Murphy Family Cemetery immediately following the church service.