William "Bill" Ralph Murphy, 84, of Odum, Ga. passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024. The Wayne County native was a member of the First United Methodist Church, a USMC Veteran serving 2 tours in Vietnam where he received a Bronze medal. A well- known sports advocate, he spent over 30 years as a football coach and teacher and was an outdoor education instructor which earned him the surnames, "Beta Bill" and "Coach "Murphy".  His high school team was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame and he was instrumental in shaping so many young athletes' lives. He was proud of his high school team who was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. In his leisure time, he enjoyed hunting with the Ellis Creek Hunting Club.

Survivors are his wife, Diane Benton Murphy of Odum; a daughter, Patti (Fred) Holland of Jesup; a son, Will (Machelle) Murphy of Odum; 4 grandchildren, Michael and Dusty Holland, Madison and Audrey Murphy; several nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 from Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Rev. Pete Boyd, son-in-law, Fred Holland and friends officiating along with presentation of the American Flag by the USMC. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Liars Club and Ellis Creek Hunting Club.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research ALSAC, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545, or to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.