Phillip Charles Murphy, Jr. was born to the late Phillip, Sr. and JoAnna Hawkins Murphy on October 10, 1940. He was the oldest of seven siblings, and took pride in helping to rear them in his hometown of Natchez, MS. He was preceded in death by five of his siblings: Susie, Moses, Walter, John and Jesse. After a long bout with a childhood illness, Phillip enrolled in the Natchez Public School System, did well and graduated high school in 1962 from Sadie V. Thompson High School.

Shortly thereafter, Phillip was drafted in the United States Army and served two years at Fort Jackson in Charleston, South Carolina. In order to find better job opportunities after his service, Phillip relocated to Washington, DC. For over 30 years he worked for the United States Printing Office. After retiring, he began to work in security for Metropolitan Baptist Church. Phillip accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He united with the Daughter of Zion Baptist Church, under the pastorate of Rev. W. S. Scott. He worked faithfully as a youth, serving as an usher and Sunday School teacher.

When he moved to Washington DC, he united with Canaan Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. M. Cecil Mills, Jr. Phillip served in many capacities during his membership: usher, choir member, trustee, treasurer, and an ordained deacon. Phillip loved the Lord and loved his church. He was the epitome of working “while it was day.” When his health failed, his greatest desire was to return to active service at the church.

Phillip leaves to cherish him with fond memories: one sister, Angelee (Emanuel, Jr.) Reeves of Memphis, TN; two sisters-in-law, Permelia Murphy of Natchez, MS, Mattie Murphy Young of Memphis, TN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.