Gerald Ray Murphy, Long-Time Michigan Resident, Passes Away at 87
Gerald Ray Murphy passed away peacefully on November 13, 2026, at the age of 87, in Melvindale, Michigan. He was surrounded by his wife of 66 years, Violetta (Adkins) Murphy, and his family. Born on July 28, 1939, in Paducah, Kentucky, Gerald moved to Detroit, Michigan, in 1950. He graduated from Detroit Western High School in 1957 and had a dedicated career, working in management at Montgomery Ward until 1982, and later with a flooring company until his retirement in 2000. Gerald is survived by his wife, Violetta; their two children, Mark (Phyllis) Murphy and Lori (Randy) Mathews; his sister, Delores (the late John) Singstock; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Melissa Lynne Murphy.