Death Notice for Reverend William J. Murphy

Reverend William J. Murphy, passed from this life on January 5, 2023, at the age of 91.

Father Murphy was born on June 24, 1931 and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 1 1957.

Father William Murphy served as Pastor of Our Lady of Refuge Parish, Orchard Lake and St. Agatha Parish, Redford. He also served as Parochial Vicar at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak and St. Philomena Parish, Detroit. After his retirement, he assisted on weekends at St. Thomas a’Becket Parish, Canton

Father Murphy will lie in state on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 10:15 AM at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 S. Lilley Road, Canton, Michigan 48188, until the time of his funeral Mass at 11 AM. Mass will be livestreamed on the parish YouTube channel and Facebook page. He will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 25800 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48033.

Father Murphy is predeceased by his parents, Neil and Shella; brother, James; and sisters, Constance (Paul) Kennedy and Patricia (Kenneth) Crawford. He is survived by his many nieces and nephews.

Kindly pray for the repose of Father Murphy's soul and for consolation for his family.