HAINES CITY -- Mr. V.A. Murphy of Haines City died of heart failure Tuesday (July 5, 2005) in Haines City. He was 83.

Born in Jacksonville on March 31, 1922, he came to Haines City from Frostproof in 1938. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 35 years of service. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving aboard submarines on 20 missions. He was discharged with the rank of chief motor machinist's mate and was awarded the Submarine Combat Pin with three stars. He was past master of the Haines City Masonic Lodge for two terms. He was one of the organizers and first president of the Haines City Sportsmen Club. He was a lieutenant in the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary and was active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron in Lakeland. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the American Legion. He was a member of First Christian Church in Haines City.

Mr. Murphy is survived by his wife, Kay Murphy; sons, Allen Murphy, Ponte Vedra, Bob Murphy, Dundee, Dale Murphy, Lake Wales; daughter, Carol Rhyne, Orlando; sisters, Margaret Mills, Spring Hill, Lois Turner, Lake Wales; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, 1001 Grace Ave., Haines City. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Fund at First Christian Church, 705 14th St. S., Haines City, FL 33844.