Murphy Hogan Moore,78, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours on August 31,2021. The unbearable sadness is surpassed only by the love and affection we feel for him. The Lord has called him home and he will forever remain in our hearts.
Rebecca Moore, childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 58 years; Natalie Moore Averette, daughter, and her husband Brent; Murphy Scott Moore, son, and his wife Jennifer; Audrey Moore Ray, sister, and her husband Dan, along with three grandsons, Chandler Hogan Averette, Carson Clarence Averette and Murphy “Lil’ Murf” Raleigh Moore and three step-grandchildren, Austin, Hunter and Caitlin Kelley and extended family and many friends live on and will cherish his memory, benefit from his wisdom and appreciate his teachings as we continue on life’s journey. We will forever celebrate his quick-witted spirit, joking manner and legacy as a prankster. And there will always be special place in our hearts for Rosie. Her love, kindness and caring for “Mr. Murphy” brought happiness, smiles and laughter even in the midst of sadness.
Murphy was born in Roseboro, NC on July 4, 1943. He was one of three children of the late Ruth Fillyaw Moore Wells and the late John Emmett Moore. He and his sister Audrey and brother, the late John “Johnny” Emmett Moore, Jr. were raised in and grew up in Clinton, NC.
Following graduation from Clinton High School, Murphy attended East Carolina University but then chose to serve his country in the Air Force. Murphy and Rebecca were married August 18, 1963 and four months later he received military orders which stationed him in Iceland for a year. The newlyweds were thousands of miles apart, and Rebecca moved back home while Murphy was in Europe dedicating his time and service in the armed forces.
Later, Murphy then returned to East Carolina University and after graduating in 1969 with a degree in business, he began his career with State Farm Insurance. He built a thriving, successful agency in Virginia Beach. He was hard-working and dedicated to serving his policyholders for more than forty years. He retired in 2013.
Retirement did not mean slowing down. Murphy rarely sat still and retirement made way for spending more time with family, especially his grandsons, more time on the tennis court and tending to “projects.” He was always eager to help others fix things and get things done. Murphy was an avid boater and enjoyed weekends on the water with family and friends and longer excursions with the Cavalier yacht club.
Murphy’s favorite “holiday” was April Fool’s Day. With a zest for life, and his sense of humor, he was a creator of fun and laughter. He was quite the jokester and playing pranks were a favorite pastime. Even those who bore the brunt of his practical jokes enjoyed every minute of it - - Even tricks and Halloween scares were loved by his grandsons, who fondly and lovingly called him “Mush.”
Our minds still talk with you…Our hearts still look for you…our souls know you are at peace.
A “Gathering of Friends” in honor and memory of Murphy will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Royal-Hall Funeral home, 301 McKoy St, Clinton, NC.
“Memories of Murphy” will be shared and celebrated in Virginia Beach, VA at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to LBDA, for ongoing study and research of Lewy Body Dementia.
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