MURPHY, David Hall, son of the late Tom and Shirley Murphy, passed away at his home on Friday, July 8, 2022. Throughout his life, he emphasized the importance of who you know rather than what you know and sought out people who were true to themselves and good to their communities. David leaves behind countless family members, friends and colleagues who knew and loved him dearly.
Among them are his children, Cameron, Thomas, Luke and Meredith, who occasionally tested his patience but always brought out his laughter; and his wife, Kellie, whom he will joyfully greet with a glass of Chardonnay when she joins him in the next life. He is also survived by his siblings, Steve, Paula and Tim, with whom he first embraced the importance of family, as well as their spouses and several nieces and nephews, who brought out his boundless energy and youthful spirit. He was preceded in death by both his parents; and his brother, Chris.
David grew up in Richmond and played football at Collegiate School, where he earned the first ever Richmond Times-Dispatch Player of the Year Award. He then attended the College of William & Mary, allowing his parents to drive to see him throw many, many touchdowns (and endure many, many sacks). His 1983 season was a highlight. Named the state’s Offensive Player of the Year, David leaned on his leadership, work ethic and humility to help the Tribe achieve its first winning record in several seasons. At the awards ceremony, he was sure to thank future NFL player Bruce Smith for not hurting him too badly in the team’s loss to Virginia Tech. At both Collegiate and William & Mary — and in every stage of life — David built strong and lasting friendships.
Over more than 35 years as a financial advisor, David helped clients through life’s biggest moments — marriage, children and retirement among them. He was good at his job because he cared about people deeply and genuinely, a trait that also led him to serve on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond Board for 21 years (including a term as Chairman). Always generous with his time, he was also a board member of the Mr. Mac Foundation; a member of the trustee council of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation; and an exuberant, dedicated coach to many youth sports teams. He believed in sharing the gifts life gave him and translated gratitude to goodwill.
David found excitement and fulfillment in many interests: listening to rock and roll music (always loudly), watching (and gambling on) sports games, riding his bike around the neighborhood, grilling on his Big Green Egg, giving belly rubs to his dogs, taking care of the birds in his yard, stubbornly (and successfully) growing a palm tree in Virginia, keeping up with his expletive-laced and joke-laden group chats, and above all, fly fishing with friends on clear, sunny days.
Whatever he did, David found the fun in it. He took the bad times with the good and kept moving forward. As he said often, that’s the only way he knew.
His family was his greatest source of pride and the group that benefitted most from his strength, generosity and love. His wife was his best friend (and favorite person to tease — an endeavor in which his children cheerfully joined). He created cherished memories and traditions, taught lessons through his actions as often as his words and built a home that embodied warmth and happiness — a place where everyone felt welcome and important.
A dear friend called David a “cynical optimist.” He believed the world should be better, but he also believed it could be. For those who knew him, it is.
If you would like to honor David, please put on The Who’s Quadrophenia at the highest volume your ears will allow, and send contributions to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, Virginia for Veterans, the Teenage Cancer Trust or The Arc of Greater Williamsburg.
A memorial service will be held on August 12, 2022, at St. Bridget Catholic Church at noon. A life celebration will follow. To leave condolences and fond memories for David’s family, please visit the Woody Funeral Home, Parham location’s website.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 17, 2022.
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