By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
Over the years, I have met people from all walks of life. Some stand out in my memory
vividly, while others form a vague cloud, tucked somewhere in my mind. I recall the
crossing guard at my grade school, clad in a blue uniform, kind to all the small kids. I
remember the neighborhood grocery storekeeper who would give us candy when we
didn’t have any money. These individuals worked hard and rarely received the
recognition they deserved. The dictionary defines "notable" as a prominent,
distinguished, or important person. Even if others did not acknowledge them, they were
notable to me.
Our city recently lost one of its notable citizens, and while he never sought the limelight,
his life was notable nonetheless. Robert “Rob” Murphy passed away on May 18, 2024,
at the age of 45, from a massive heart attack at his home. I first met Rob when he would
drop his kids off at their grandparents’; house, just up the street from us in the Stealey
section of Clarksburg. Rob and his wife, Tiffani, seemed like many young couples with
small kids, busy and juggling a thousand things.
Our granddaughter was in the same grade as Rob’s son, and we would see Rob and
Tiffani at school events and soccer games. The more time we spent around them, the
more we realized what a special family they were. Their daughter, Emily, would practice
cheerleading in her grandparents’ front yard, and my wife and I would walk up the street
and sit in the glider to watch her routines. Emily continued cheering, and we enjoyed
seeing her progress until she achieved her childhood dream of becoming a West
Virginia University cheerleader. You could see the pride in Rob’s eyes, and the family
pictures on Facebook showed the love in their family.
Rob’s middle child, Timothy, was also a very talented young man. We watched him play
soccer and tennis in middle and high school. The family was active in their church, and
Rob was the youth pastor, leading many years of Vacation Bible School, Sunday
School, and service projects. As Timothy grew older, he followed Rob’s passion and
enrolled at Liberty University to study for the ministry.
As their youngest daughter, Lily, came along, the whirlwind life of Rob and Tiffani
continued. Church and school activities, along with working several jobs and coaching
when needed, left my wife and me marveling at these remarkable parents. When we
heard the news of Rob’s heart attack, it broke our hearts, along with those of hundreds
of friends and family. Rob Murphy lived a life that touched many and made our
community a better place. He gave his all to his family, his church, his job, and anyone
who needed a helping hand in difficult times.
Rob Murphy leaves a legacy as a family man who gave his all. Our community was
honored to have him with us, and we are all a little better for his time on this earth.