Virgil Owen Murphy

Virgil Owen Murphy Virgil Owen Murphy passed away peacefully December 31, 2023, in Kingsland, Tx. He was 92 years young. Virgil or V.O. as many called him, was born February 7, 1931. at his home in Kempner, Texas. Born to W.E. and Eula Murphy, he was one of three siblings including Doris and Colene. Virgil grew up in Kempner and would attend Lampasas Schools where he graduated in 1948. He was a letterman in Football and Basketball. He had 2 claims during those years. One, he started 2nd grade and finished 4th grade in the same year and two, he and some others failed Health class their Senior year so they could return for an extra year of Football. Here, he met his soon to be bride of nearly 52 years Lora Virginia Watkins. She was also a graduate of Lampasas but 3 years his junior. They were married in July 1952 just before V.O. went off to the Army to serve his country. He was stationed at Fort Bliss (El Paso) for 2 years. Most of his Battalion went overseas to serve in Korea but he was able to serve on home soil, as he claims, because he could type and he was a whiz at math. He left after two years, as a Staff Sergeant and was a bit of a modern day, Radar O'Rielly. While in El Paso, their first child was born, Debra Gail, but unfortunately passed due to complications after 2 days. Returning to Lampasas and starting a family with children Michael Joe(1956) and Cynthia Diane(1959), Virgil started his career as a Milkman. Although he worked in other jobs, this was his forte. He began in Lampasas with Superior Daries and this led to a move in April of 1960 to Austin, Tx where he lived in the same South Austin home for 56 years. He soon moved to Hillcrest Farms Dairy for a few years but then back to Superior Daires where he delivered milk to many West Austinites including Darrell Royal and Roy Minton. Borden's bought out Superior and soon after he would sign off as Mikman. Many times he worked 2 jobs to help support and raise his family. These jobs included store clerk, bartender, dry cleaners, stadium support for AISD and the ever popular yard mowing which he continued until the age of 84, but only for neighbor's, he would say. He and Virginia even served as booster club President's at Crockett High. Virgil or "Tiny" as some called him affectionately, had many things he was proud of. He loved visiting and hearing stories about his kids and grandkids. He was very sharp in his thoughts and thinking, even up until his passing. He knew details of sports events and news that many could not comprehend. He was a sports nut to say the least, loved gospel singing quartets and really loved to watch old westerns. An avid Longhorn fan and he loved High School sports, especially Lampasas or local teams like Pflugerville and Round Rock, Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Cardinals. He was still an avid reader of the Lampasas Dispatch. He still held a valid driver's license and was so proud he did not have to take any medications until about five months before his passing. Virgil is pre-deceased by his Wife Lora Virginia (2004), his parents, W. E. and Eula Murphy. Daughters Debra Gail (1954) and Cynthia Diane (2004). Sisters, Doris Williams and Colene Boyd. Nephew, James Jones and Niece, Shirley Byrd. He is survived by his son, Mike Murphy and Wife Susan. Grandsons, Brian Rayburn (Sarah), Brent Murphy (Sally) and Lance Murphy (Jill). Granddaughter, Britanny Rayburn. Also 6 Great-Grandkids, Makenzie and Keeghan Rayburn, Karlen and Owen Rayburn, Lindy and Miles Murphy Nephews Bill Boyd and James Boyd. Nieces, Elaine Henry and Ginger Harvey, as well as many other great nieces and nephews. Services are scheduled for Monday January 8, 2024 at 11:00 am at Heritage Funeral Home of Lampasas Texas. 401 North Key Ave, 76550. A brief committal is planned at Oak Hill Cemetery nearby, also in Lampasas.

Virgil Owen Murphy

February 7, 1931 - December 31, 2023