Charles Edward Murphy

Colonel Charles E. Murphy, age 87, passed away peacefully on May 24th, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather.

Charles was born on May 8, 1937, in Burgaw, N.C., the son of the late Charles Mills and the late Mary Lou (Lewis) Murphy, raised by his stepfather, the late Henry “Sonny Boy” Murphy, and his mother. He was the light of his mother’s eye - and that light burned bright within him and guided him as he envisioned a different life far removed from the tobacco farms he grew up working. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, many goals seemed out of reach for Charles. However, he refused to let outward obstacles dim the light his mother had fostered within him. Charles received his early education in the public schools of Pender County, N.C, graduating from C.F. Pope High School. Following high school, he attended N.C. Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University where he participated and graduated from the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1958, he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant assigned to the Army 3rd Training Battalion at Fort Jackson, S.C. In addition to completing many U.S. Army courses and colleges, including the Command and General Staff College (CGSC), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), Washington, D.C., Charles earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia in 1974.

Colonel Murphy was highly successful in his military career, leading many assignments that included wartime tours in Vietnam and multiple commander opportunities including the 83rd Ordinance Battalion, which he cherished. Following his very distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Colonel Murphy held senior leadership positions with various companies in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region that included the management of International Logistics Operations for the U.S. Department of State. His military honors include the Bronze Star Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.

But with all his military and business accolades, accomplishments, and joys, they paled in comparison to his one and only love and wife of 65 years, LaRose (James) Murphy. Charles and LaRose were married on June 20, 1959, and to this union were born three children: Charles (Alan), Jacqueline (Denise) and Steven (James) Murphy. Upon retirement, Charles settled into his role as a doting father and grandfather, never missing the opportunity to pass along hugs and words of support and encouragement.

Charles also adored his son, Steven; daughter-in law, Sharon; and his grandchildren, Brayonna, Jordan, and Toni (Barnett). He was a constant presence at any sporting, concert, or academic venue, always the first and loudest to vocalize his support for his grandchildren. Besides spoiling his grandchildren, Charles loved to travel, and play tennis and golf – at one point holding the course record at Henson Creek golf course in Oxon Hill, Maryland – a fact that Charles was quick to point out when surrounded by friends and family, with a score that seemingly lowered each time he recounted it.

Charles was a deeply spiritual and giving man, a member of First Baptist Church in Warrenton, Virginia, and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He dedicated countless hours to charitable giving, provided tutoring services to young people in need, and mentored older colleagues with sound, helpful advice as they tried to navigate the sometimes-choppy military and civilian waters. In addition to his hobbies, Charles also enjoyed a good glass of wine and spending time with friends, recalling funny and poignant stories of days gone by, with the sounds of Lloyd Price, Sam Cooke, or B.B. King playing in the background.

Charles is now in the welcoming and warm embraces of his predeceased son Charles Alan and daughter Jacqueline Denise, with the light of his mother, Mary Lou, leading his way to his final destination. His love, sweetness, and big heart will be deeply missed by his family and friends. And while this moment of great sorrow will be mourned, his life was one of determination and accomplishment - a life to celebrate.

Celebration of Life: Please join us as we commemorate his life on June 15th at 1200 hours (12:00 PM) at the Harvest Assembly Baptist Church located at 8008 Fordson Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22036.

His military service will be honored with a private memorial at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors later this Fall.

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