HAINES CITY, FLORIDA - Gus Murphy of Haines City, left this world due to Heart Failure, quietly and peacefully, much as he lived in it.  He was 86.   

Gus was born on August 23, 1923, in Greenville, Alabama.  He and his wife, Dorothy, the love of his life, moved to Haines City in 1957, where he began working as a Pharmacist at Lawhorn Corner Drug Store, where everyone remembers seeing him "standing behind the counter", for over 25 years.  He also served as Pharmacist for the Heart of Florida Hospital, Hospital Pharmacy, and consulting Pharmacist for a nursing home in Lake Wales.  He was an avid fan of his Alma Mater, Alabama Polytechnical Institute, now known as Auburn University.  He was definitely proud to be a War Eagle. 

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, he is survived by; sons, Ron (Jeannie) Murphy of Mobile, Alabama; Drew (Karen) Murphy of Haines City; and daughter Dottie (Tom) Ereditario of Winter Haven.  Although he had an uncompromising devotion to his children, he took great joy and was involved in the lives of his five grandchildren. They are; Jennifer (Bill) Snively of Haines City; Michael (Danielle) Murphy of Auburndale; Caroline (Frank) Thompson of Birmingham, Alabama; T.J. (Sabrina) Ereditario of Carmel, New York; and Ashley Ereditario of Winter Haven.  In addition to his dedication to his grandchildren, Gus also loved his eleven great-grandchildren. 

There will be a gathering of Friends from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 8, 2010, at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Haines City.  The Celebration of Gus’ life will follow at 7:00 p.m.