Kenneth Howard Murphy's Obituary
Mr. Kenneth H. Murphy, 82, longtime resident of Gainesville, Florida, died Friday, February 21, 2025, in the E. T. York Hospice Care Center, Gainesville, following a long illness.
Mr. Murphy was born in Providence, Florida on December 21, 1942, to the late Clyde and Mae Murphy, graduated from Union County High School, Class of 1961; and shortly after married Barbara Fortner, to whom he was wed for over 63 years. He was drafted in the U. S. Army in 1965 and served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, earning several commendations, including Vietnam Soldier of the Month in January of 1967.
After returning home from Vietnam, he began a long career in road construction, beginning with the Florida Department of Transportation, including construction of the first interstate highways in Florida. During his time with the FDOT, he held many positions, including becoming the State Bituminous Engineer in 1978, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. His experience led to authoring 40 publications related to asphalt and was recognized many times for his contributions to asphalt technology.
Following his retirement from the department, he began working for Anderson Columbia Co. as an engineer and in 1995 started a subsidiary, Asphalt Technologies, Inc., (ATI) and for the next nearly 20 years, served as president, until retiring for good in 2013, to spend more time with his family. He was always happiest helping family and friends repair an appliance or plan a building project, usually starting a little too early in the morning.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Phillip, Huey and Joe and sisters, Jeanette Brown, Rosalee Archer and Imogene Beard.
He is survived by his wife Barbara; his son, Scott Murphy; a daughter, Kelli (Daniel) Vaudreuil; grandchildren Jordyn (Corey) Murphy, Erin Vaudreuil, Andrew Vaudreuil, Abigail Murphy, Hannah Murphy and Sophia Murphy and a great granddaughter, Rowan Murphy; along with several nieces and nephews and their extended families.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 11:00 A. M., at the Forest Grove Baptist Church, 22575 NW 94th Ave., Alachua, Florida with Pastor Tony Clubb, officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 A.M. Interment with military honors will be held in Memorial Park West, immediately following the church service. For those who wish, donations may be made to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606 or at www.havenhospice.com/donate.
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