If you have attended school in Marshall County or played a sport then Bill Murphy has touched your life in some way. From classroom group photos, little league team pictures to action shots from the sidelines of the Lady Marshals and Marshals – Bill is there to snap and capture the special moments.
Bill has had a love of photography all of his life, something he got from his dad. His wife Nancy said Bill says it’s a “hobby that went out of control” and has been a big part of his life for over 40 years now.
A graduate of Christian County High School and Murray State University, Bill was an Army pilot in the Vietnam War, flying air ambulances that transported the wounded from the field of battle to medical facilities.
While working at the Purchase Area Development District, a co-worker asked Bill if he would photograph their wedding and from there his “hobby” took off. Bill has seen photography change through the years and he has changed with it, from developing negatives to the digital age we are in now.
“Bill likes to be in contact with others”, Nancy said. “We run into kids all the time that ask Bill if he remembers them and Bill responds with – yes I do, I think I took your picture.”
The subjects in his photographs appreciate him, but none more than the many coaches, teachers, administrators and parents through the years that have benefited from the memories he creates, the moments he has captured and the scrapbooks he has filled.
“Bill Murphy has been a huge part of the Marshall County school system and also to little league baseball and softball for as long as I can remember”, Marshall County Superintendent Trent Lovett said. “I have been associated with athletics for many years and there has not been a year go by that Mr. Murphy did not take team pictures and action shots for our young people.”
He has touched the lives of so many and his presence does not go unnoticed by coaches, like head football coach Evan Merrick who said Bill has played a major role behind the scenes in advancing Marshall County Athletics through his photography.
“Whether it’s getting team pictures at the beginning of the season or taking action shots throughout the year, he has captured many of our great moments”, Merrick said. “Bill has been nothing but a pleasure to work with and has been able to take the photos of countless athletes over the years. I look forward to working with him for many years to come.”
On the sidelines with fellow photographers and media, Bill is appreciated and respected by all and in the words of Loyd Ford, Editor and Publisher of The Lake News, “Bill Murphy sets the tone for professionalism and courtesy on the job and on the sidelines.”
“He is a big Marshall County supporter and it is obvious he really enjoys being around the high school kids”, Ford said. “He is kind hearted and works very hard to turn out high quality photos that become lasting memories for hundreds of people every year. Bill is a good friend to everyone he meets, a true southern gentleman.”
Bill and Nancy have two sons, Daniel and wife Kasey and Will and wife Patricia and four grandchildren. An Elder and very active member of First Christian Church in Benton, Bill is a true example of a Christian using his talents as a ministry through his photography.
“There probably are not many people in Marshall County that have children that do not have a picture either on the wall or in a scrapbook that was taken by Bill”, Trent Lovett said. “He is truly one of a kind and he cares about the youth of our community.”
