Ray E. Murphy

CAMDEN — Ray E. Murphy, 91, passed peacefully into his eternal heavenly home on Dec. 1, 2020 at Woodland Country Manor, Somerville. He was born to Wilford and Frances Murphy on April 8, 1929 in Hamilton. His mother died of TB when Ray was four years old. His father then married Oma (Hargraves) Murphy, who became his earthly mother. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Edna Arnold, Bobbie Heidler, and Doris Myers, and in-laws Charles and Geneva Hoover.

Ray retired from GM as a steam engineer with 40 years of service. He then worked at Miami University Steam Plant for six years before fully retiring. He was very proud to serve our country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was an active member of Princeton Pike Church of God; Ray was the oldest living member and still served as an usher. He was also an active member of Camden Masonic Lodge #159; Preble Council #135 Loyal & Select Masons of Ohio; Eaton Chapter #22 Royal Arch Masons of Ohio; Jerusalem Commandry Knight Templars #75 of Ohio; Knights of the York of Honor of Ohio Priory # 17; AASR Valley of Dayton; and Oxford Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #225.

Ray was active and supportive of his daughters when they were active in the International Rainbow for Girls, and he was honored to be a Kentucky Colonel. His favorite place to vacation was camping at Kelley's Island, Ohio. He enjoyed fishing and boating on Lake Erie. In his earlier years he loved riding and taking motorcycle trips. He also enjoyed doing mechanic and body work on cars.

Ray is survived by his wife of 69 years, Yolonda (Hoover) Murphy; daughters and sons-in-law Rhonda (Mike) Cottingim, Jennifer (Kenneth) Ward, and Lisa (LJ) Bertke; grandchildren Chris (Amanda) Ward, Nathan (Mary) Ward, Ryan (Amanda Gately) Cottingim, Charles (Angela) Back, and Stephanie (Ryan) Kennedy; and great-grandchildren Cooper, Tate, and Brenan Ward, Nolan Ward, and Scarlett and Landon Kennedy. He was also loved by his extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his favorite and loved canine companion, Bella. He always referred to her as his "sweet little doggie."

Visitation was held Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon at Bales Funeral Home, 249 N. Main St., Camden. Masonic Services were held just prior to the funeral service, which was officiated by Ray's pastor, Dr. Barry Clardy. Dr. Greg Jackson, close family friend and pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Camden, lead us with his guitar in some of Ray's favorite hymns. Ray enjoyed playing his guitar for many years until his arthritic hands and fingers would not cooperate any longer. Serving as pallbearers were Ray's grandchildren and his oldest great-grandson. Burial was in Fairmount Cemetery, Camden, with military honors by the Preble County Honor Guard, including a gun salute and Taps.

Ray's final ride will go past his home and small farm escorted by a motorcycle "missing man" formation coordinated by his daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Ken Ward. His grandson, Nathan, will be riding next to the open spot of the missing man. The funeral procession will be accompanied and escorted by the Ohio Patriot Guard.

Due to COVID-19 -19 the family requests that you please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Memorial contributions may be made to the Camden Lodge #159 Christmas Basket Fund (104 S Main St. Camden, 45311) which is a project Ray loved to make and deliver to families.

The family would like to thank the staff of Woodland Country Manor and Dr. James Thomson. Ray's stay there was short but your dedication, care, kindness, and compassion in what turned out to be his final weeks and days is truly appreciated.