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William Russell Murphy, retired judge, dies at 83: Fairfax native also served two terms as a Virginia delegate
(Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sep. 11--William Russell Murphy was a strong believer in serving his community.
He enjoyed a long, successful professional career and a life outside work that backed up his belief. Most of his career was spent in the public eye, as he progressed from a high school teacher and coach to a chief district court judge in Prince William County, a position he held until retiring in 1990.
"He was very involved and enjoyed community service . . . reaching out to help in the community," said a daughter, Lucy Murphy Boush of Richmond.
Mr. Murphy, who served two terms in the Virginia House of Delegates as an independent, died Monday at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury in Irvington after a period of declining health. He was 83.
A native of Fairfax County, Mr. Murphy played minor league baseball for several years in the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations before graduating in 1948 from the College of William & Mary.
He taught at Occoquan, Kenbridge and Mount Vernon high schools before becoming principal of Osbourn High in Manassas.
Although he was a respected administrator and "had a great impact on a lot of kids," Mr. Murphy followed his desire to enter law, said a daughter, Margaret Murphy Sadler of Louisa.
While principal at Osbourn, Mr. Murphy studied for his law degree at American University, which he earned in 1963. He also maintained a heavy community-centered mindset outside of work, serving as chairman of the Prince William Fire Commission, a member of the Lions and Ruritan clubs and a vestry member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Manassas.
He held a strong interest in politics and government. He served for four years on the Prince William County School Board. In 1971, at the urging of friends, Mr. Murphy took his political aspirations to the state level and was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, where he served two terms.
During his time with the General Assembly, Mr. Murphy supported legislation that created the veterinary school at Virginia Tech; handicap access to buildings and horse racing in Virginia among others.
He was described as an old-school politician, one who worked behind the scenes to get things done, but didn't want to take the credit.
"Bill could drive you crazy, but he was a great friend," said retired lobbyist E.L. "Bill" Crump Jr. "If you called him up, he was there for you."
In 1976, Mr. Murphy was appointed by the General Assembly as a general district court judge in Prince William County, a position he held until his retirement in 1990.
Throughout his life, William & Mary always remained a special place and he was fiercely loyal to his alma mater. He served on the school's board of visitors for several years. Although he maintained a low-key public demeanor, he was firm in his beliefs.
"He was very supportive of William & Mary . . . working behind the scenes to help the college," said J. Edward Grimsley, retired chairman of the editorial board of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
In 1996, Mr. Murphy was awarded the William & Mary alumni medallion for distinguished service to the college, which was his pinnacle achievement, said Sadler.
In addition to his daughters, Mr. Murphy's survivors include his wife of 60 years Lucy Venable Jones Murphy of Merry Point; three grandchildren and one great-grandson.
A funeral service will be held today, Thursday, at 2 p.m. at Pohick Episcopal Church, 9301 Richmond Highway, in Lorton. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
To see more of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.timesdispatch.com.
Copyright (c) 2008, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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