Billie “Bill” J. Murphy, 80, of Oquawka, IL passed away at 6:09 am, Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at the Oak Lane Rehabilitation Center, Stronghurst, IL. He was born June 19, 1939, in Columbus Junction, IA, the son of Raymond and Cora Jane (Jackson) Murphy. Bill was raised and educated in Louisa County, IA. He later served in the United States Army. He married Janet Bernhart on December 28, 1962, in Carman, IL. Bill worked for Champion Products in Burlington, IA for a few years and later became the owner/operator of BJ’s Club in Gulfport, IL and Murphy’s Tap in LaHarpe, IL. He was also the owner/operator of JB Equipment in Kirkwood, IL, and Burlington, IA. Bill was a member of the Oquawka Masonic Lodge and he enjoyed fishing and collecting “Junk”; “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”
Surviving Bill are his children, Cindy (Bob) Doyal of Aledo, IL, Tammy (Rick) Bundy of Oquawka, IL, Zachary (Christi) Murphy of Box Elder, SD; his grandchildren, Jackie, Aimee, Angie, Cameron, Elizabeth, Matthew, Leeam, Connor; several great-grandchildren; one brother Jim (Bonnie) Murphy of Mediapolis, IA, one sister, Janet Alexander of Gladstone, MO; several nieces and nephews along with his lifelong buddy, Marvin Glasgow of Ft. Madison, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Kim Davis; grandson, Zachary Bundy; brothers Larry Paxton and Dick Murphy.
Cremation Rites have been accorded with visitation and services to be held at a later date in the spring of 2020. Interment will be in Carman Cemetery, Carman, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Henderson County Food Pantry and left at the funeral home. McGuire and Davies Funeral Home and Crematory Monmouth, IL is in charge of arrangements. For more information please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
