Obituary of Billy Murphy

Billy Murphy, 92, of Chattanooga passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2021. Billy Murphy grew up on a tobacco farm in Middle Tennessee. He attended The University of Tennessee Knoxville. Vol For Life, Bill and eighteen of his closest friends applied for and established a charter for the Alpha Kappa Chapter of the first Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity on UT campus. He graduated and married his beautiful princess Hazel Ownbey. They were off on a new and adventurous life together as the Air Force duty posts would take them from Texas to Alabama, then Japan, and Mississippi to Oklahoma. Along the way came Mary, Billy, Nan, and Todd. Their final move to Chattanooga brought Bill as Hospital Administrator to the Siskin Memorial Foundation during the Operation Crossroads and 365 Club era. Throughout the years he was an active member of First Centenary United Methodist Church. While his wife sang in the choir, he taught one of the most popular Sunday School classes. Most often known as Murph, Bubba or Pops, he was PaPaw to grandchildren Leah and Jeff Tabb (Mary), Adam, Scott, and Ben Murphy (Bill and Jan); great grandfather to Harlan Henderson (Leah and Kevin), and most recently to Pierce, Hallie, and Max Murphy (Adam and Tiffany). He will be remembered as a quiet man, loyal to his friends, loving to his family, and dedicated to his church. Private graveside services will be held at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga at a later date. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to caregiver Lisa Ayers and Lora Baker Team Hearth Hospice. Contributions in Mr. Murphy's honor may be sent to St. Elmo United Methodist Church securely on line at www.saintelmo.org/give or checks can be mailed to St. Elmo UMC 4626 Saint Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409. REJOICE WITH EXCEEDING GREAT JOY! Arrangements are by Wann Funeral & Cremation Center at the foot of historic Lookout Mountain, St. Elmo. (423) 821-7551. To share memories, photos or condolences please visit www.wannfuneralhome.com.