Kenneth Ray Murphey

Kenneth Ray Murphy, 81, of Odessa went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 28, 2024, in Odessa, Texas. 

Visitation will be Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Central Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Central Baptist Church with Pastor Vaughney Taylor officiating. Graveside service is to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Ken was born in Nocona, Texas, to Wesley E. and Lizzie Faye Murphy on May 11, 1943. As a young boy, he moved with his family to Odessa and lived there the remainder of his life. He attended Odessa high school. He married the love of his life Elva Jo Hewitt on October 18, 1963, in Odessa and they remained married for 61 wonderful years.

Ken started working at Broncho Chevrolet as a teenager in the position of a part’s delivery boy. He became a parts salesman, then eventually assistant parts manager and worked in this position for many years. He loved his job with Broncho Chevrolet, which eventually became All American Chevrolet, and made lifelong friends with his work family and customers. He retired from sales and delivering parts from all American Chevrolet in Andrews in 2018. His love of all things Chevrolet was evident in his dedicated 57 years of service to them.

Ken was instrumental in the growth of Odessa girls’ softball, where he coached his two daughters and many other girls. He served on the board and coached numerous All-Star teams. He truly treasured his years as Coach Ken. 

A man of deep faith, Ken found comfort and strength in his love for Jesus Christ, which guided him in all he did. He was passionate about music, filling his life and the lives of others with its joy and beauty. Ken's gentle spirit, generous heart, and steadfast devotion will be remembered by all who knew him. 

His love of singing led him to be a worship leader and to sing southern gospel in various churches and venues, including the southern gospel quartet, BlesSing. He led worship at Central Baptist Church for several years, up until December of 2023. 

Ken is proceeded in death by his parents and brothers, H.L. Murphey, Lee Roy Murphy, and Tommie Murphey. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Jo of Odessa, TX; his daughters, Julie Denham and husband David of Princeton, TX; Karen Sloan and husband Jay of Royse City, TX. He adored his 6 surviving grandchildren, Zane Webster of Abilene, TX; Reagan Marchand and husband Cameron of Palm Bay, FL; Connor Denham of Princeton, TX; Rylie Denham of Lubbock, TX; Hannah Sloan of Royse City, TX; and Bethany Sloan of Royse City, TX. Ken had 3 great granddaughters: Zailey Webster, Carsyn Marchand, and Kambree Webster. He is also survived by his brother Robert Murphy and wife Betty. Ken is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He dearly loved his family. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Baptist Church at 1416 North Texas Avenue, Odessa, TX 79761.