HAMPTON — Charles Murphy, 82, was born in Nashville, North Carolina, to the late Bernice and Zollie Murphy Dec. 26, 1937. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend was called home to be with his heavenly Father Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020.
Charles, fondly known as “Sonny Boy” by family and friends, spent his early life in Nashville and Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was the oldest of 10 siblings, and he loved his family. Charles enjoyed playing football, marbles and racing with his siblings Barbara, Peggy and MacArthur. He loved being a big brother and cheering on his younger siblings, Jeanette, Dorothine, Melinda, Bernette, Annette and James. As a young boy, he was known for his healthy appetite, his love of the boys scouts and camping.
However, the moment he discovered basketball, he found his passion. Charles attended Nash County High School and went on to become a star athlete. He received letters for basketball, football and baseball. His greatest legacy was in his basketball style and demanding presence on the basketball court. Charles and his team won league, district and state championships in 1953, 1955 and 1956. Charles led the team as captain to victory and won every game.
While attending Elizabeth City University in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Charles continued to play basketball and met his wife, Rena Dolores Davis. Charles married Rena, the love of his life, March 22, 1963. Charles and Rena celebrated 64 years together and 57 years of marriage. From this union, four daughters, Rosalind, Sharon, Charlene and Darlene, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren were born.
Charles served in the U.S. Army, worked as a bookkeeper and office manager for David Elliot Construction Company and retired as an independent accountant. Charles also attended tailoring school, and he enjoyed sewing outfits for his daughters.
Charles continued to share his love of sports. He was an avid spectator and humorous commentator for his favorite home games and televised sports. His passion off the court was his family, cooking, reading the bible and playing with his grandchildren.
Charles leaves to cherish his lasting memories and legacy to his wife, Rena Davis Murphy of Hampton; daughters, Rosalind Shenay Murphy of Brooklyn, New York, Sharon Murphy-Johnson (Tracey) of Hampton, Charlene Murphy-Alston of Norfolk, Darlene Benita Murphy of Lexington, South Carolina, and bonus daughter, Rhonda Revels of Baltimore, Maryland; and grandchildren, William Juan Murphy, Charnita Vantasia Burke, Jef’Shauna Charneica-Delores Burke and Revon Destined Charles Jackson of Hampton, Dwayne Kevin Murphy of Chicago, Illinois, Drayton Marque Murphy (Deanna) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Imani La’Jay Naomi Murphy of Lexington, South Carolina. He also leaves to cherish and honor his memories with his brother and six sisters, Barbara Jean Kinder, Peggie Ann Murphy and MacArthur Murphy (Elizabeth) of Baltimore, Maryland, Jeanettte Bernice Williams (Harris) of Durham, North Carolina, Dorothine Murphy-Speller of Alexandria, Bernette Moody of Nashville, North Carolina, and Annette Davis of Los Angeles, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends to cherish his loving memories.
Charles will be remembered for his faith in God; love of family and friends; his love of basketball; his favorite basketball teams, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors; and his life of life. Celebrate him in your memories, and live as he did, to the fullest.
A family gathering will be held at 9:50 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton.
Share online condolences with the family at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.
