Alfred Ray, “Al”, “Pap”, “Murf”, Murphy of Frederick County passed away September 13, 2017 in Winchester Medical Center.
Al was born to Harry Frank and Ora Dick Murphy in 1937 in Frederick County. He graduated from James Wood High School in 1957. Al served with the US ARMY at Fort Jackson, SC during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the 1960’s.
He married his high school sweetheart, Ellen Eschell, on December 6, 1961, never dating anyone else after their first date on April 4, 1956. His greatest joy and pride were his daughters, Suzanne Elizabeth Murphy and Katherine Ann Murphy Hogsten. He loved dearly his grandsons: Timothy Stegmaier, Andrew Stegmaier, James Stegmaier, Connor Hogsten, Tanner Hogsten and Parker Hogsten. His son-in-law W A Hogsten was also dear to his heart. He was a very devoted father and grandfather. Al was preceded in death by brothers, Harry, Edward, and Paul Murphy.
Al worked from a very early age, starting as a caddy at Winchester Country Club, working for RC Cola and Mr. Bridgeforth, as an IE at the Woolen Mill and a supervisor at Crown, Cork and Seal and 3M Company. He then ventured out on his own with his wife Ellen – owning rental properties, laundromats and a glass repair shop.
Al was a passionate golfer and enjoyed membership at Carpers Valley Golf Club and then Rock Harbor Golf Club. He was fiercely competitive and an excellent player, winning many tournaments until health issues prevented his participation.
“Murf” enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping and sightseeing. Enjoying wildlife – even watching eagles steal his fish in Alaska.
His humor was legendary. Many enjoyed his large repertoire of jokes – even if they were the brunt of them! His daily trek to McDonald’s at Sunnyside included sharing this humor and “old men’s stories” as he said. He was always accompanied on this morning trip by his golden lab, Paddy, who would wait in the car for his sausage muffin.
Al was a member of the Frederick County Republican Committee, supporting his wife’s elections for Commissioner of the Revenue and giving aid to other candidates. He always voted – even going to the polls two days after open heart surgery! “Murf” also was a member of the Winchester Eagles Club and loved sharing stories over lunch with many of the members.
He sincerely missed special friends who shared his outdoor interests and sense of humor: The Late Gil Ellerby, Tom DeHaven, Tom Hassen and Tommy Grove to name a few.
His obit would not be complete without our expressing, for him, his great admiration for the nursing staff at Winchester Medical Center. Caring, compassionate and professional, they also were friendly and dedicated to their patients. From Al and his family – THANK YOU MORE THAN WE CAN SAY!!!!
Al’s funeral will be at the Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Street location, on Sunday, September 17, 2017, with a Gathering of Family and Friends from 1 pm to 2 pm, and a service at 2 pm. It will be an informal meeting with friends and family including words by Dave Owings, Grandson Drew Stegmaier and any others who may wish to share “Al Murphy” stories. Honor guard from Fraternal Order of Eagles has been invited. Refreshments provided.
• Honorary pallbearers: Timothy, Andrew and James Stegmaier; WA, Parker, Connor and Tanner Hogsten; Charles Murphy, nephew; Jesse Wismer, Ski Skoronski, Steve Lineweaver, Larry Thayer, Ralph White, Doug Bernhard, Charles “Sonny” Crisman, Rick Turk and Joe Shanholtz.