Leon Murphy

On July 15, 2025, Leon Murphy took his final ride on this side of life. Leon was born on August 6, 1952, to the late Thomas Grant and Edith Knight Murphy.

Early in life, Leon developed a passion for hot rods both working on and racing them. He was and always will be the self-proclaimed “Master Driver” in his mind no one could out drive, out shift or out run him.

Leon worked many years before retirement as a concrete finisher. He was a committed and devoted worker who rarely missed a day.

The only thing Leon loved more than fast cars was his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry (Plunney) Murphy a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Leon will be reunited with his special great-niece, Alexis Murphy.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving life partner and wife of 41 years, Virginia Glover Murphy, his two beautiful daughters, who he often referred to as his whole heart, Felicia Samuel (Robert) and their children, Jaylen Samuel and Kaydence Samuel; Jasmine (Michael) and their children, Izarrah Brown, Ziporah Brown and Zace Brown; His sisters, Gayle Murphy, Bobby Jean Henderson, Sandra Rose, Elaine Murphy and Wendy Mosby (Larry); his brothers, Russell Wayne Murphy (Barbara), Wallace Murphy and Mark Murphy and their respective families. His Aunts, Claudine Martin, Earlene Thompson (Harold) and Shirley Logan. Brother-in-law’s, Sister-in-Laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Leon’s best friend was his brother-in-law, Marshall Henderson. You rarely saw one without the other. Marshall passed just a few months ago and we rest knowing, his stick partner was waiting on him when he arrived. Never one for a lot of words, Leon left this World suddenly. He would not have wanted a long good-bye. They are somewhere in a fast car, Leon in a tank top (no matter how cold it is) Marshall, in the passenger seat, smiling and heading on their next adventure.

Leon had expressed that he preferred not to have a traditional service. There will be a receiving ceremony for family and friends on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1:00 P.M. at the Shipman Civic Center 22 Nelson Avenue, Shipman VA 22971. We look forward to seeing you for good food, fellowship and stories about the one and the only, Leon Murphy.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).