Millard Roscoe “Mike” Murphy, 99 of Saltlick Road, Mannington, WV passed away at his residence on Friday, October 15, 2010. He was born July 10, 1911 at Widen in Clay County, WV a son of the late Joseph Roy Murphy and Lula Mae Morris Murphy.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen Graham of Mannington; a daughter-in-law, Carol Murphy of Mannington; 5 grandchildren, Don Graham of Montara, CA, Kim Graham of Boise, ID, Vicky Murphy-Jarvis and her husband Scott of Mannington, Kelly Murphy and his wife Jaime of Clarksburg and Patrick Murphy of Morgantown; 8 great-grandchildren, Madison Graham, Griffin Graham, Jackson Graham, Johanna Graham, Charlie Murphy, Chelsea Rinehart, Eli Jarvis and Dayla Murphy; fifteen nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Eleanor Hamilton Murphy; a son, Michael Hamilton Murphy; 2 sisters, Jessie Alexander and Emmabelle Needham; 2 brothers, Charles Murphy and Otmer Murphy. Millard was the last of his siblings.
Mike was employed by Bethlehem Steel Corp. at Barrackville Mine where he retired in October of 1973. He us in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1930-34, having served in Nicaragua and South China Yangtze River Patrol. He graduated from Mannington High School in 1930. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, the United States Seagoing Marine Assoc. and Asiatic Fleet, a Hall of Fame member of the West Virginia Bowhunters Assoc., the National Field Archery Assoc., the West Augusta Historical Society and the Prickett’s Fort Foundation.
Throughout his life, Mike had many passions and enjoyed many activities, including sports, travel, craftsmanship, writing and story-telling. In his early years, he played football for Mannington High School and throughout his life, loved archery and was many times over a West Virginia Archery Assoc. Champion. In 1967, with his wife Virginia was voted WVAA Mr. and Mrs. Archery. He was inducted into the West Virginia Bowhunters Hall of Fame as well. As an active Marine, Mike traveled much of the South Pacific, the rivers of China, and made a total of 32 trips through the Panama Canal. As a civilian, he loved traveling the state of West Virginia and made many trips cross-country. As a woods craftsman, he enjoyed making walking sticks, bows, and once even built a sailboat. With all of his life experiences, Mike loved telling folks about it and people loved listening! He wrote of many historical accounts in the local newspaper and for several different newsletters as well as presenting for many different groups and organizations. He loved spending time with family and friends and was passionate about keeping his grassed mowed, even at the age of 99.
Memorial Contributions may be made to West Augusta Historical Society, in Mannington, WV.
Friends may call at the Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Mannington, WV on Sunday, October 17, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-9 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. in the funeral home with Reverend Charles Fancher officiating. Full Military Rites will be accorded by the Marion County Veterans Council on the funeral home parking immediately following the service. Burial will follow at the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Morgantown.