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Frank Murphy Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
FRANK DeSALES MURPHY Frank DeSales Murphy, 85, of Atlanta, died June 16, 2007. Mr. Murphy served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II with the 100th Bombardment Group stationed in Thorpe-Abbotts, England and achieved the ranks of Major and Navigator. During the war he became a P.O.W. at Stalag Luft III (which was known for The Great Escape) and received a Purple Heart. He later wrote the book ×Luck of the Draw× which was published in 2001 and was about his reflections of the air war in Europe. After returning home from Europe he graduated from Emory University. Mr. Murphy also enjoyed a 33 year career with Lockheed Georgia and retired in 1987 as Vice President of International Sales for Lockheed Saudi Arabia. He was a 50 year member of the Georgia Bar Association, a past Commander of The American Legion Post 134, a member of the World War II Round Table, and served on the Board of Trustees for the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum. Mr. Murphy enjoyed playing music and for many years played with the Atlanta 17, and New Horizons Bands. He was preceded in death by his son, Frank DeSales Murphy, Jr.; daughter, Patricia Murphy Rosser; and grandson, William Patrick Murphy. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ann Murphy; daughter, Elizabeth Murphy Melas; son, Michael Kevin Murphy; grandchildren, Michael C. Murphy, Laura Murphy, Natalie Murphy, Chloe Melas, Stefanos Melas, Benjamin M. Rosser; and brother, John H. Murphy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, 175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31328 or to the American Cancer Society, 2970 Clairmont Rd, suite 840, Atlanta, GA 30329. An online memorial may be viewed at www.mem.com. A Funeral Mass will be Friday, June 22, 2007 at 11 o'clock at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church with The Reverend James Fennessy as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 o'clock at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Murphy
Lynne Sawyer
June 25, 2007
To
All of the Murphy Family:
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Murphy's passing. What a wonderful,
kind man he was and he always made me feel so special by his kind words
when I used to teach Stefan violin. I'll never forget the look of pride
on his face at Liz's book party many years ago and also when Stefan
would play his violin. He and Mrs. Murphy have raised a beautiful
family which I have known for several years and I know he will always
be with each of you. Thank you for making me a part of your family and
thank you, Mr. Murphy, for your service to our country to give people
like me and my family the freedoms we have today.
Leticia Garrison
June 24, 2007
The world has lost a brilliant, brave, and compassionate man whose memory will endure through his family, book, and deeds. He was so kind to teach me about my own father who served with him on every mission and I will forever be grateful for that.
My prayers and condolences to his wife and children for their loss.
Paul Andrews
June 22, 2007
This morning’s journey to work – driving into the sun past Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon – was different. Paying attention to the traffic was frequently interrupted by recalling the many wonderful moments I shared with Frank Murphy as he drafted page after page of his book “Luck of the Draw.” Frank’s command of the language and his ability to transfer his thoughts and inner most memories onto the printed page is to be envied and praised in the same breath. And while Frank is navigating one more mission to the other side of the clouds, those of us on this side of the clouds, who shared even only a few moments with him, can only conclude that those moments were some of the best moments in our lives.
Ron Leigh
June 22, 2007
Thankyou Frank for all you did to help win our freedom ,despite all you went through in the War you came through it and passed on your memories in the wonderful book " Luck of the Draw " My Veteran friend Bill Howard commented on what a great person you were and I am glad I had the chance to talk to you in person .Thankyou Sir
Dana Murphy-Parker
June 21, 2007
Aunt Ann, Liz and Kevin, and to all of your families, I am sad to hear of Uncle Frank's death. I think of him as a great man. I called him several years ago to let him know how happy and thankful I was to have his book; he did all of us a great favor and left us a legacy of the Murphy family history with his book, not to mention our being able to share a part of his life before we knew him as "Uncle Frank". I wish very much that I could be with you in Atlanta at this time, but since I cannot, please know that my thoughts are with you.
Love,
Dana
David Webster
June 21, 2007
I enjoyed meeting and chatting with Frank Murphy. A very interesting and enjoyable man. My thoughts are with his family.
Mark Copeland - 8th Air Force Historical Society - Board of Directors
June 21, 2007
Frank was one of the kindest and most positive people that I have ever know. He was a great man and a compassionate human being. My life has been blessed by his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family.
God bless you Frank.
Kevin Gray
June 21, 2007
I had the honor of spending an evening chatting with Major Murphy at a banquet for the 100th BG in Palm Springs, CA.a few years ago. He was a bright, articulate, outspoken man and a great author. He gave praise where praise was due and was critical where criticism was deserved. He told it like it happened. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Michael Faley
June 21, 2007
Frank Murphy was the consumate gentleman. He always had time to spend with you and helped so many "second generation" 100th BG family members with questions about their loved ones. Frank wrote a book called "Luck of the Draw". It is a no holds barred look at his life and time with the 100th BG and as a POW. A very important book in our history. I am very saddened to hear about Frank's passing, he was one of a kind, one of "The Originals" of the 100th BG and inspired so many of us. This is such a big loss for all of us. Our condolences to the Family.
Michael Faley-100th BG Historian
Richard Gibson
June 21, 2007
Frank was a true gentleman and was always a joy to talk to. Our museum at Thorpe Abbotts has lost yet another hero.
Bettye Peterson
June 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I was introduced to Frank by Dr. Murphy and will always remember his kindness and good spirit. My heart goes out to your family. May God Bless.
Bettye.
Jeanne Carey
June 20, 2007
Dear Ann, Elizabeth and Kevin,
I was so sorry to hear of Franks passing. I came to know Frank through my mother, Irene Carey and had to good fortune to meet Frank and Ann in Palm Springs at a 100th BG reunion. Frank was a gentleman of the highest caliber, intelligent, gracious and charming. It is a loss to all of us who were lucky enough to meet him. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Murphy (Mary Ellen) Chandler
June 20, 2007
Uncle Frank, I have many fond childhood memories of our extended family get-togethers. You lived an exceptional life during an extraordinary historical period and not only saw many changes but were a part of those changes. I so enjoyed your book, and learned many new things about our family during the late 19th and 20th centuries. God Speed.
Michele Bunn
June 20, 2007
Dear Ann, Liz and Kevin: Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you experience this tremendous loss. May the love and support of family and friends comfort you in your lonliness until you experience the joy of being together again as a family. “When you cannot stand, He will bear you in his arms.” Michele, Andew and Jane-Elizabeth Bunn
Christina Carey Covil
June 20, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. My grandmother, (Irene Carey) spoke very fondly of Mr. Murphy and the family. It gave her great joy to talk about grandpa and hear stories about him. We also thank the family for allowing Mr. Murphy to write his book. It will continue to give me great joy to share the experiences of the 100th Bomb Group with my children – which there great-grandfather was so proudly served.
HAP CHANDLER
June 20, 2007
FRANK WAS A DEAR FRIEND AND A DEDICATED TRUSTEE OF OUR MUTUALLY SHARED INTEREST THE MIGHTY 8TH AIR FORCE HERITAGE MUSEUM. HIS CAREER IN THE AIR FORCE WAS THE STUFF OF LEGEND AS WAS HIS SUBSEQUENT CAREER WITH LOCKHEED. WE WILL MISS HIS HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE, LOVE OF MUSIC AND WISE COUNSEL.
WITH SYMPATHY TO ANN AND ALL THE MURPHY FAMILY.
Debby Kamin Bennett
June 20, 2007
Dear Ann, Liz & Kevin: I am so sorry to hear about your father - i have so many fond memories of him from long ago. After losing my father last June, I know what you are going through and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My mother also sends her prayers.
Eileen Wilson
June 19, 2007
Words cannot express the sadness I felt when I heard the news that Mr. Murphy passed away. I am sorry for your tremendous loss, as you've experienced far too many. I will remember Mr. Murphy for his graciousness,his warm smile, his tenderness and his endearing ways. He is now joined with those that left before him. He is reunited with my dear sister-in-law, his lovely, sweet Patty, whom I will never forget. You are all in my prayers,especially,Mrs. Murphy, With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Love,
Neenie (Eileen),Pete, Kristin,and Patrick Wilson
Barbara Carey Broussard
June 19, 2007
Frank Murphy will be missed by all of the 100th Bomb group members and their families. Your book brought a lot of joy to our family and it was a pleasure meeting you and your lovely wife. Our thought and prayers go out to Ann and all of the family.
Barbara Carey Broussard
George Melas
June 19, 2007
I will always remember my father-in-law. He was an intelligent, well educated and well traveled man. Above all he was a loving relative and a gentleman. I'll miss him.
Joe Carey
June 19, 2007
Mr Murphy it was a great pleasure meeting you and your family. I loved talking to you about my dad and the way you wrote about him in your boot. I will always remeber the way you made my mother fill when she meet you for the first time. god bless you and yours Frank Murphy.
elizabeth murphy-melas
June 19, 2007
To My Beloved Father:
Dad, I am so proud to be your daughter. You have not only been the most wonderful father but always so kind, generous, and loving. You left us too soon, but I am so grateful that Mom and I were by your side until the end. Dad, I love you with all my heart and will never stop missing you.
Love Always and Forever,
First Daughter
Margaret Murphy
June 19, 2007
i loved you Uncle Frank. You were always so sweet You called me Sweetie whenever we saw or
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