Ronald E. Murphy

Virginia Beach – Heaven called our beloved Ron Murphy home.

Born in Marysville, Michigan, Ron was the true embodiment of Live, Laugh, Love. He relished the opportunity each new day brought him. His love of family and friends was clear to all who knew him.

Loyal husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor, teacher – Ron was all that and so much more but if one were to try to describe Ron with only one word, the closest word would be fearless.

Ron was not afraid to die. He’d been there, done that a few times. Ron was not afraid to live, and he lived life to the fullest every day. Used up his fair share of nine lives too – maybe that’s why Ron’s cat, Dusty, and he had a special relationship.

Ron was at home on the water. A natural you might say. His friends called him Admiral being as he mentored so many Navy Commanders and Captains who learned that you could actually get underway and have fun on the water in your own boat.

Where others saw something that was broken, Ron saw something he could fix. Fix it he would; and, invariably he would always seem surprised that it worked – “I’ll be darned!” he would exclaim when whatever it was would start, spurt, and pump/drive whatever it was meant to pump or drive.

Where did Ron find the time for lighted boat parades, safe boating lessons, courtesy boat inspections, Flares for Life, lifejacket giveaways, navigation contests, and annual trips to the Annapolis Boat show? Not to mention cruising club trips on the Chesapeake Bay or a lazy cruise down the Intra-Coastal Waterway to Florida. Oh, and don’t forget the 20 or so years of boating on the waters of Michigan and Canada with the Black Water Boat Club, family and friends.

We might never understand how he did it all, but we know he lived to make a difference during those times spent with friends who shared his passion for boating, boating education, boating safety, and Marysville.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held with family and friends at the Lagoon of Bay Point Marina, 9500 30th Bay Street, Norfolk from 3-5 pm on Saturday, May 13th. Bird Shirts or Hawaiian attire is requested. Don’t forget to come with a “Ron Story” to share.

In lieu of flowers, our family is asking you to please consider donating to one of the following:

Providence Presbyterian Church – Bells. 5497 Providence Rd, Virginia Beach 23464

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church – Mission and Service. 2228 Princess Anne Rd, Virginia Beach 23456

Kindred Hospice – 5544 Greenwich Road Suite 202, Virginia Beach 23462