Charles Willard Murphy (Papa), age 84, of Crossett, AR, died at his son's home in Alexandria, Louisiana, on April 12, 2015.

Born November 26, 1930, in Parkdale, Arkansas, to Edward “Ned” Boyd Murphy and Aurice Lee (Allen) Murphy, Charles was the 14th of 15 siblings.  He is survived by one son, Michael Anderson Murphy & wife Karen Leann Murphy of Alexandria, LA; grandsons Patrick Michael & Colten Sean Murphy of Ruston, LA; one sister Inez Patrick of Crossett, AR.  He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Oneida (Mann) Murphy. 

A long-time member of the Presbyterian Church of Crossett, Mr. Murphy became a Christian at 24 years old, when he was baptized at Promised Land Baptist Church.

Charles worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family and to help his friends. As a very young man, he passed an opportunity to try out for the St Louis Cardinals because his father suffered a stroke and Charles chose to stay home to take over the family farm. After he left farming, Charles worked in industrial construction in more than 16 states. When he decided to look for a job that would provide him more time at home with his young family, he went to work as a carpenter for the Crossett Public Schools and retired after 22 years with the school system. 

Both farming and baseball continued to be important to Charles all his life. He and Oneida loved to plant large gardens, to pick fresh produce and to can vegetables to share with family and friends throughout the year.  Charles continued gardening into his 80’s.  He shared his love for baseball with Mike from the time he was a toddler and then eventually with his grandsons Patrick and Colten—teaching them, encouraging them, and attending their games.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Jones Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Robert Vincent and Rev. Wayman Mann officiating. Interment will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, AR. (www.jonesservice.com)

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2015 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the American Lung Association, 217 W. 2nd Street, Little Rock, AR  72201.