Billy Murphy

Mr. Billy Murphy, 80, of Morris, passed away suddenly Tuesday, July 27, 2010, in Effingham, Ill., while traveling to Tennessee with his daughter, Aaronda, at his side.

Born March 29, 1930, in Burlison, Tenn., Billy was the son of the late Embrey E. and Tilitha LaValle. He was raised and educated in Tennessee.

Billy joined the United States Army, where he served his country in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

Billy married Bonnie Gilliatt on July 16, 1953, in Hernando, Miss.  Billy and Bonnie then made their home in Morris.

He was employed with Diamond International as a machinist until 1972. He then joined Labor Local 75 in Joliet, where he would work construction until his retirement in 1992.

He was a member of Local 75, Morris Country Club, Morris VFW and First United Methodist Church, where he and Bonnie just received their 50-year membership certificate this past month.

Billy enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; one daughter, Aaronda (Steve) Neuwirth of Morris; and one son, Randy S. Murphy of Morris; three grandchildren, Michelle Murphy of Eureka, Calif.,  Pvt. 1st Class Jessica Murphy, who is currently stationed with the United States Marine Corps. in North Carolina, and Randee of Morris; one great-grandchild; Coso Stone of Eureka Calif.; two sisters; Mildred (James) Coats of Burlison, Tenn., and Juanell Cromwell of Covington, Tenn.; one sister-in-law, Sandra Schramm; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Milton and Richard; and two sisters, Betty Griffen and Grace Billings.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday July 31, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Morris. Pastor Scott McClellan will officiate.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 30, 2010, at the U. C. Davis and Sons Funeral Home, Ltd.

Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Full military honors will be conducted by Morris Color Guard.

Memorials may be made in Billy’s name to the First United Methodist Church.

Online condolences can be extended at www.ucdavisandsons.com.