Bobby Leon Murphy, 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Silverhill, Alabama around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. He was surrounded by loved ones. Bobby, known as “Coach” by many, was born on May 26, 1932, in Florence, Alabama. He was one of three sons to Clifford and Mildred Murphy. His two brothers, Charles and James, preceded him in death. Bobby was an alumnus at Central High School in Florence. He would go on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany. He played four years of football and basketball at Livingston University, also known as the University of West Alabama, where he would be known on and off the football field as “Bull.” This was also where he met his wife of more than 50 years, Betty Murphy. Together they gave birth to three sons, Larry, Danny, and Frank. Larry preceded his parents in death due to a car accident. Bobby was a lifetime coach. He coached swimming at Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola and Skyline Country Club in Mobile. Over the span of 30 years, he coached football, basketball, and track in the Escambia (Florida) and Mobile county school districts. He would spend the rest of his days in Silverhill, Alabama working on his farm. Bobby was a family man who prided himself on honesty, hard work, and integrity. He leaves behind his wife; two sons; and four grandchildren. His family would like to thank all of the friends, doctors, nurses, and aides that helped him along the way.
Visitation will be held today at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel in Pensacola from 9-10 a.m. Funeral services will follow. Burial will be in Bayview Memorial Park in Pensacola.
To leave a memorial message for the family, please visit bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
