Richard James Murphy

Richard “Dick” James Murphy, 87, of Lubbock, TX passed away on January 12, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Taunton, MA on July 16, 1936 to James Alois and Luise M Trinque Murphy.

Dick graduated from high school and joined the Army on December 20, 1954. After Basic Training he was sent to Germany and assigned to Artillery. He Married Katharina Schulthie on July 20, 1957. They had two children, Marilyn Miller married to Richard Miller and Marc Murphy. They had one grandchild, Misty Goodman married to Gary Goodman and 4 great-grandchildren: Justus, Bella, Pierce and Gianna Goodman.

During Dick’s military career he was stationed in Germany and did Two Tours in Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam, he fought during the Tet Offensive, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He was assigned to El Paso, TX where he obtained his Command Sgt Major designation. He retired from teaching Military Science at Texas Tech University and retired from the Army on July 31, 1978.

He began his second career with D & L Builders as the President. He started in 1978 and remained there for 45 years.

Dick is survived by his wife Ilona Downey-Murphy; her two children Candice Ramsey, James Alan Smith, and William Shane Ramsey; 10 Grandchildren: Joshua Glenn, Katilyn Sanders, Megan Stone, Jacob Sanders, Erica Smith Lane married to Jesse Lane, Erin Smith, Christopher Burleyson married to Taylor Arlotta-Burleyson, and James Meyler Smith; 8 great-grandchildren: Grady, Emory and Rowan Lane, Stephen, Patton and Zella, and Brody Burleyson.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Alois Murphy and Luise Murphy; and Katharina Murphy.

A Visitation has been scheduled on Wednesday January 17, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Venue on Broadway at Combest Family Funeral Homes. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday January 18, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM at the Venue on Broadway at Combest Family Funeral Homes. Following the service, a reception will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the same location.

Interment will be held at a later date at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made in Richard’s Honor at the Purple Heart MOPH 0900, Box 64266, Lubbock, TX 79463 or to the Hospice of Lubbock.