By Staff
November 3, 2005
Funeral for William Robert "W.R." Murphy, 89, of Somerville was Saturday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. David Parker and Bro. Rodney Bowling officiating.
Burial was in Valhermoso Springs Cemetery.
Mr. Murphy died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at his residence. He was born Oct. 2, 1916, in Morgan County to James Thomas Murphy and Zelma Day Murphy. He was a member of the Cotaco Methodist Church for more than 60 years. To many people in East Morgan County, he was known as the "Peddler". From the 1940's through 1968, he drove a rolling grocery store or "peddling truck" throughout the area. He drove for Elmer Skidmore, Marvin Skidmore and for his dear friend, the late James Jackson. He was one of the last, if not the last peddlers in this area. In 1969 he went to work for John Blue Company. After he "retired" he worked at Kay's Grocery in Cotaco, visited the sick and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He especially loved children and thought they all needed a "cold drink" and a snack from the store. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Avis McCutcheon Murphy, his parents; and two brothers, Leroy Murphy and Limus Murphy.
He is survived by his wife, Annie Slater Murphy of Somerville; a son, Don Murphy and wife Peggy; a step-son, Larry Slater and wife Rhonda, all of Cotaco; a step-daughter, Brenda Zigler of Gulfport, Miss.; a sister, Martha Murphy McAnally and husband Harold of Moninoo, Fla.; five grandchildren, Carrie Murphy Hollaway and husband Jason, Leigh Anna Murphy Childers and husband John and Keith Slater, all of Cotaco, Jeanice Slater of Hartselle, Terri Slater Nelson and husband Mickey of Priceville; and one great-granddaughter, Brylee Faye "the baby" Hollaway.
Pallbearers were grandson Keith Slater, nephew Micheal Murphy, James Russell, Kenneth Roberts, Jimmy Scott and Steve Edmondson.
Honorary pallbearers were Campbell Roberts, Kay Edmondson, Dale McCutcheon, A.Q. Maze, Bill Ellenger, Robbie Elliott, Carlton Turney, Jerry Fielder, Dennis Holmes, Mike Corley, Tim Sharp, and all of his old store "buddies".