Ray Frank Murphy

In memory of Ray Frank Murphy, 86, who passed away on December 4th, 2017 in Anchorage, Alaska. He went peacefully in his sleep with his family nearby and his dogs, Sparky and Chaz, by his side. He was born to John E. and Rachael Murphy on August 27, 1931 in Tacoma, WA. He was the youngest of three children and loved his family very much, often recounting heart felt stories of his mother, whom he loved beyond words. He joined the Army in 1949 and was stationed at Wildwood in Kenai, AK. He was proud of his service to his country. While in the military, still in Kenai, he met, fell in love and married Rika Mann. They resided in North Kenai for many years where they built a life together raising children and enjoying grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After his honorable discharge, he was hired with the oil platform in Kenai where he worked hard and became a foreman training several others on the oil rigs. He retired from Amaco in the early 1980's. He was a carpenter as well, and had a passion for building which enabled him to construct a home for Rika and himself on K-Beach Rd. in Kenai. Along with a "home away from home" in Chinitna Bay. He was a self-taught pilot and would fly there, as they loved to spend time in the bay, fishing, clam digging, moose hunting and spending summers with numerous family and friends. In 1990 he was devastated when his love, Rika, passed away. He remained in Kenai for the next few years, occasionally visiting Anchorage, where he met Patti Whitesell. The two hit it off and were inseparable, deciding to spend the rest of their lives together. They traveled to Florida in the winters and back to Alaska in the summers. They loved to travel, with their doggie companions, in their motorhome, visiting family and friends. He was happy building a life with Patty and her children. He continued his love of construction, remodeling their homes and teaching his trade to the children. Ray loved the Lord and regularly attended church until his health no longer permitted it and even then he would watch worship services on his television. His sister, Barbara remembers her brother being the youngest and therefore referring to him as "her baby". She also remembers buying him his first car which he so desperately wanted. Some of his grandchildren will never forget him building an addition onto the North Kenai home and before he completed it letting it be their "own playhouse." Other grandchildren remember wanting some of what Grandpa called his "candy" from his "Redman" bag and when he finally let them have a taste...well that cured that want! However all of the grandchildren remember Grandpa's homemade waffles and what a treat it was when they were able to spend the night with Grandpa and Grammy and wake up to the special waffle breakfast. The past few years of his life he had many wonderful providers who cared for him and who he loved to share his stories with. Our family would like to thank each and every one of you! Ray is survived by sister, Barbara Harbert of Yuma, AZ; daughters, Virginia Hunter of Kenai, AK; Hazel Felton of Anchorage, AK; Debbie Floyd of Homosassa, FL; Tara Whitesell (Crystal Hartman) of Anchorage, AK; son Chuck Whitesell and grandchildren; George Hunter, Rika Blumhorst, Doris Hunter, Neil Hunter, Bernadine Atchison, Cathleen (Cookie) Pinkerton, Elizabeth (Libby)Atchison, Todd Smagge, Loren Smagge, Jimmy Smagge, Suzanne Jackson, Linsey Fox, Brenton Stanley, Danny Hartman, Jordan Hartman; many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Rachael Murphy; brother, George Murphy; his wife of 36 years, Rika Murphy; sons, George Hunter, Ralph Hunter and Gene Smagge; daughters, Laura Jean Carpenter and Mary Ellen (M.E.) Perrizo; grandchildren Tina Shelby, Doreen Harmon, Danielle Carpenter and Chrissy Hunter and his loving companion of 23 years Patti Whitesell; A Celebration and Memory of Life will be held next year in Kenai to spread his ashes and place him to rest in all of his favorite places. Arrangements were by The Cremation Society of Alaska.