Obituaries

Walter T. Murphy

Photo of Walter T. Murphy
Walter T. Murphy, 73, of Rockledge, Fla., originally from Little Rock, died May 25 after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer. He w0as pre-deceased by his wife, Jennie Pool Murphy, in 2004. He is survived by his son, John, of Merritt Island, Fla. Walt was an engineering manager with NASA from 1963 to his retirement in 1997. His career started at Johnson Space Center, extending to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) with two years at Vandenberg Air Force Base. He came to KSC in 1973 to take part in the development of the Launch Processing System, one of the major NASA challenges at the time. He went on to manage the Guidance, Digital and Software Division. He later became the Director of Engineering Development, in charge of all ground support equipments and facilities at KSC. Walt received many recognitions during his career including the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award. He recently received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from his alma mater, Hendrix College, where he received his physics degree, class of ‘61. He later earned his M.S. degree in Mathematics from the University of Arkansas. Walt treasured his friends and family, especially his son and cousins. He had three major interests: gardening/landscaping, decorating and duplicate bridge. A memorial service was held at the Church at Viera, Fla. on Wednesday, May 29 followed by a graveside service at Florida Memorial Gardens.

Published June 2, 2013

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