William Murphy

William Harrison Murphy, Jr., age 75, of Dover, died peacefully, Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Park Village Nursing Home after a period of declining health.

Born in Marietta, Ohio on March 24, 1948, he was the son of the late William and Bettie Alma (Yost) Murphy.

Bill was a 1966 graduate of Newport High School where he became a standout basketball player. He continued his studies at Ohio University earning his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering while walking on to the OU basketball team. While there, he also found time to earn his pilot’s license, passing his final by flying solo round-trip from Athens to Cleveland in terrible weather.

On January 22, 1971, he married Elizabeth “Libby” Devol and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage together. Bill and Libby enjoyed building a life, being with their family, traveling, and spending time with special friends Carol and the late Tom Fox. He also considered himself blessed to co-grandparent with dear friends and in-laws, Patti and the late Bill Feller. He also had a passion for entertaining friends and family. He loved sharing his knowledge of wine (and the wine itself of course), cooking a gourmet meal, and showing off his extensive wine corkscrew collection.

Bill was a serious Bridge player. He and Libby played in many different Bridge groups over the years where he lovingly cringed every single time Libby bid. 

He loved to watch The Ohio State Buckeyes and professional tennis. You could also say he had a love-hate relationship with the Cleveland Browns.

He worked for over 35 years at the Timken Company as a Patent Specialist. Bill was a life-long avid learner who loved to research the latest technologies and innovations. He was the first person his family members would turn to for guidance on buying something new.

Bill was an active member of the community for many years, proudly serving on the ADDAMS board and Trumpet in the Land. He also served on the Dover City School Board, and was board president during the city-wide school renovation project. He was instrumental in founding the Dover and New Philadelphia municipal tennis league.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family and grandchildren. He so enjoyed traveling with them and cherished the “take your kids to work days” that he shared with his children and grandchildren.  Against Libby’s better judgement, Bill liked to keep the children well supplied in Hostess treats.  Whenever he made chocolate chip cookies, he would be sure to give each child a big scoop of cookie dough. If one of the children weren’t there, he would make sure to have a spoonful wrapped in Saran wrap waiting for them in the refrigerator.

Bill is survived by his wife Libby; his best friend and constant K-9 companion, Tucker; children, Maury Deems of Dover, Will (Cari) Murphy of Dover, and Summer (Zack) Feller of Dover; grandchildren, Dr. Anna Virginia Deems, Lillian Elizabeth Deems, Samuel William Feller, Alyssa Joy Feller, and Emilyn Devol Feller; sister, Kim (Ron) Bowersock; and Aunt, Donna Booth. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sandy Smith.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Park Village, Community Hospice, and Geib Funeral Home for their loving and professional care.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation care will take place through the care of Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home and Crematory.  An open reception will be held at Geib Funeral Home in Dover on Friday April 7, 2023 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm for family and friends.

Those wishing to make donations in Bill’s name are asked to send contributions to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.