William F. Murfin

MURFIN, WILLIAM F. , former 1960's Florida Republican state chairman, died after an extended illness at his Fort Walton Beach home Sunday, October 12, 2008. Murfin, 83, was a Navy World War II veteran who became a registered pharmacist. He parlayed his intelligence and business savvy into owning a small chain of south Florida drug stores. Setting his sights on serving the community, his venture into politics led to further success. He served as campaign manager in drug store magnate Jack Eckerd's bid for governor of Florida and was convention chairman at the 1968 Republican Convention, as well as leader of Florida's GOP. The prominent state politico never wavered in his dedication and loyalty to his party. In the late 1960s, Murfin predicted, "The South holds the future for Republicans." During the Nixon administration, he served as Director of the Small Business Administration. Later Murfin moved to New Orleans, where he held the post of Southeastern Regional Director of the SBA. There he met his future wife, Rhonda Kole. Bill semi- retired after serving with the SBA, and he and his wife moved to Fort Walton Beach. The hard-working father of four continued in his occupation as a pharmacist until his death. Bill Murfin is survived by his wife Rhonda, his brother Bob, his sister Catherine, his children and their spouses, Carole and Bill, Robyn and Dave, James and Debbie, and Billy and Elly, his grandchildren, Melynda, Michael, William, Monica, Jenafer, Angela, Andrew and Camden, and by his eight great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren.