In loving memory

Ray Allen Murphy

April 18, 1949 – July 27, 2023

Lived 74 years

Winthrop, Iowa

Lord, please help me to be safe as I travel each mile. Let your presence guide me and bring me a smile. Take care of my family while I am away. Let them know I miss them everyday. Steer me clear of danger as I drive these miles alone. I put my hands in your hands. Lord, keep me safe, get me home.

Life story

Ray Allen Murphy was born April 18, 1949, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Bernard John & Deloris Marie (Higgins) Murphy. He was raised in Independence where he graduated from Independence High School in the class of 1967. Ray was united in marriage to Nancy Faye Griswold on June 21, 1969, at the Congregational Church in Winthrop. They made their home in Winthrop where they were blessed with three children: Raynae, Jeff and Michael. Ray started driving trucks when he was 14 years old and continued his love of truck driving for 60 years. He worked for various companies including Innovative Ag (IAS) where he retired from in July of 2020.

Ray enjoyed his large extended family and fishing, ice fishing and hunting with his boys. He also enjoyed many elk hunting trips to New Mexico and Texas with his friend, Tommy Thompson.

Ray is survived by his Wife of 54 years: Nancy Murphy of Winthrop; 3 Children: Raynae (Brett) Zingg of Winthrop, Jeff Murphy of Clear Lake & Michael Murphy of Winthrop; Special Daughter: Erin Murphy of Fort Myers, Florida; 4 Grandchildren: Shelbi Murphy (Duane Fowlkes), Kayla Murphy (Kane Fairman), Zachary Zingg & Jenna Murphy; 3 Great Grandchildren: Jersi, Bentley & Tayden; 3 Sisters: Cheryl (Billie) Winter of Strawberry Point, Patty Webster of Cedar Rapids & Kelly Murphy (Randy Jones) of Cedar Rapids; 2 Sisters-In-Law: Billie Jean Kovalcheck of Pennsylvania & Chris Murphy of Independence; 3 Brothers-In-Law: Tom Holcomb of California, Dick (Jane) Griswold of Winthrop & Bob (Kelly) Griswold of Winthrop and many Nieces & Nephews.

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