Philip Stephen Murphy III

Philip Stephen Murphy III was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, to Irma Huff and Philip Stephen Murphy Jr. He attended Armstrong State College before joining the U.S. Army, where he served in the Infantry Division during the Vietnam War for six months.

After completing Officer Training School, Phil transitioned to aviation and served as a military aviator for the remainder of his active duty, with the exception of a six-month assignment at the White House during the Nixon administration. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University, finishing his degree at Virginia State University while stationed at Fort Lee. Phil served on active duty for eight years, then continued in the Army Reserve, where he was called back to serve several times.

Always eager to learn, Phil later studied computer science toward a Master’s in Computer Engineering. He worked as an engineer for the Department of Environmental Quality until his retirement.

Phil had a deep love of travel. One of his favorite adventures was a six-week cross-country road trip with Jeany, traveling through the northern U.S., returning through the southern states, and eventually exploring New England, Montreal, Canada, and the scenic mountains of New York and Pennsylvania. He enjoyed attending reunions at Jenkins High School in Savannah, Georgia, and at Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia.

Phil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jeany DeVilla Murphy; his stepson, Joel Philip Byrd; his sons from a previous marriage, Eddie Murphy of Long Beach, California, and John Murphy of Texas; and his beloved grandchildren, Kathy and Tyler Murphy. He is also survived by his brother, William Murphy, sister-in-law, Julie P. Murphy, and numerous cousins in Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Phil was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hampton, Virginia, and a proud member of the Penn State Alumni Association.

A visitation for Philip will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM at Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Williamsburg Memorial Park Cemetery, 130 King William Dr, Williamsburg, VA 23188.