“Brother Allan” William Allan Murphy
William Allan Murphy, known to most as “Brother Allan,” unexpectedly but peacefully entered his eternal home on June 13th, 2020. Allan grew up in Greenville, Alabama, where he graduated as valedictorian from Greenville High School in 1969. He came to know the Lord at the age of 17 and immediately began his preaching ministry. He attended Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where he met and fell in love with Mary Love, marrying her just after he graduated magna cum laude in 1973. While in college, Allan served at Shady Grove Baptist in Selma, AL, Bethel Baptist in Georgiana, AL, and Sardis Baptist in Greenville, AL. He completed his Master of Divinity degree in 1977 at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, where he served on staff at Lynden Baptist Church, before returning to Birmingham to serve on staff at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Cahaba Heights. In 1986, Allan answered the call to serve as a foreign missionary. Allan and Mary attended a year of Spanish language training in Costa Rica before moving to the Caribbean island of Curacao and learned the language of Papiamentu for their work as church planters. In 1995, Allan moved his family back to Alabama, where he served as the first full-time pastor of the newly formed North Shelby Baptist Church until his retirement from full-time ministry in 2018. He then served as the interim pastor at Indian Springs First Baptist Church until March of 2020.
He was preceded in death by his father, Renford Murphy; his mother, Mae Ayers Murphy; and his daughter, Joy Love Murphy. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Love Murphy; son, Joshua Allan Murphy (Betsy); daughter, Jane Murphy Draper (Bryan); son, John William Murphy (Brittany); grandchildren, Jordan Wade Draper, Jace Wyatt Draper, Jett Wiley Draper, Murphy Joy Draper, and Jenkins Ponder Murphy; and his brother, James Robert Murphy (Debbie).
A meticulous planner, Allan made it of utmost importance to get the family all together at least once a year for a family trip, usually around the anniversary of his oldest daughter Joy’s death and Father’s Day. Lots of laughter, tears, memories, and board games happened on these family trips. For an honest man, we were all shocked to find he was a fantastic liar in the game of Balderdash.
On Saturday, June 20, 2020, at North Shelby Baptist Church (4100 Belcher Dr, Birmingham, AL 35242), doors will open at 9:45 AM for pre-service worship at 10:00 AM with Memorial service to follow at 10:30 AM, officiated by Rev. Michael Meadows, with live streaming of proceedings on NorthShelbyBaptist.org and on the North Shelby Baptist Facebook page. Attendees are encouraged to wear face coverings. In lieu of flowers, Allan’s family asks those interested to consider donating to the missions fund at North Shelby Baptist Church.
He loved God and others by sharing Jesus with the world.
8 thoughts on ““Brother Allan” William Allan Murphy”
This speaks of his life so perfectly. We loved him so very much and send our love to Mary and the family. He was so very dear to us.
God Blessed this man and his family and in return all who knew Brother Allan were blessed.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Allan at Butler County Youth Rally’s, one Saturday night a month. I am praying for you and your family
Linda Parrett, Greenville, Alabama
My heart is heavy for this family has been such a part of our family from Bro. Alan being at Philadelphia Baptist to North Shelby. This man of God will be greatly missed. Prayers for comfort as I know they have and I also celebrate with them as well.
Sharon Brasher Bailey
We as his cousins and Uncle’s totally will miss our little family get together when he came to Greenville. Allan was a wonderful man,Dad, Grandfather, and a tremendous man of God. Our prayers go out to Mary and the rest of the family during this time. But what a wonderful time he is having in Heaven.
Mike and Carolyn Phillips
21 years ago today ,I received the call from my dad that my best friend joy went to be with the lord.as I reflect on that today I remember her funeral like it was yesterday.the most powerful thing that stuck out to me about that day was the happiness that mr.murphy and mrs Murphy were to know that joy entered into heaven doing the lord’s will for her life.ISee that so much more now 21 years later as I aged had kids and grew to know that we all will have that peace and happiness one day mr.murphy instilled that love and happiness in all of us and we praise and sing with him now as he will wait to see us again one day and we will all rejoice when we see our lord and saviour..and altogether we say..amen well done they good and faithful servant..well done..love you always mr.murphy
I appreciate this man of God. I lament with brother Allan’s family and friends and am happy with them he is in heaven.
Many years ago, my husband and I fell on a difficult time. We attended NSBC. Brother Alan and Mary knew we were struggling and bought us groceries. They bought us so much food that we didn’t have to buy food for weeks! Our children have never forgotten that most genuine Kingdom act of kindness! We strive everyday to pay it forward in that same kindness. A loss felt across the world…
In Christ’s abundant love….
The Baker Family,
Buddy, Jan, CJ, Christian and Bailey
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