Malcolm Sanford “Coach” Murphy

Malcolm Sanford Murphy, 89, affectionately known as “Coach,” went to be with the Lord on Jan 17, 2021. He was born in Vernon, FL, Dec. 1, 1931, to Royal Sanford Murphy and Grace Barton Murphy-Sellars. Upon moving to Millville, FL, Mrs. Gladys Chapman became his beloved coach and mentor, inspiring his passion for athletics that would become his life’s calling. Graduating from Bay Senior High School in 1950, Malcolm lettered in football, basketball and baseball (nine letters in total).

After graduation, he received multiple scholarship offers in various sports all from Division I schools. He turned all of them down to serve his country in the United States Air Force. Malcolm attended Arkansas Tech University after his time in the service on a football and baseball scholarship. He even ended up coaching the baseball team his junior year while playing. During his time in Russellville, AR, he met, fell in love with and married the love of his life, Patricia Crouch Murphy.

Once Malcolm graduated from Arkansas Tech University, he began coaching in multiple cities, including Bunker, Holcomb, Mountain Grove, El Dorado Springs, and Piggott, AR.

His desire to move closer to home brought him back to Panama City in 1975, where he accepted a coaching position at A. Crawford Mosley High School. He was rewarded the Athletic Director position two years later. Malcolm went on to serve as coach for Mowat Middle School and finished his personal and professional career in athletics at his alma mater, Bay High School.

After his coaching career concluded, Malcolm served as the Supervisor of Transportation for Bay District Schools. He loved his work family so much it took three attempts for him to finally retire in 2006.

There is something to be said about Malcolm’s ability to inspire his students, family, and anyone who knew him. When Malcolm wasn’t coaching, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and watching Sunday Night football with his family and friends. He was known for his delicious fish fries and his unwavering faith in the Lord. He cherished his Emerald Coast Fellowship church family and relished in their love and support till the end.

Malcolm is preceded in death by his parents, Royal Sanford Murphy, and Grace Barton Murphy-Sellars; two sisters, Earlene Vernon, and Levada Cobb; mother and father-in-law, Clyde and Rushie Crouch; sisters’ in-laws, Bobbie Jean Murphy and Barbara Crouch; son-in-law, John Barker.

Malcolm is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Crouch Murphy; brother, Royal Murphy; children, Michael Murphy (Lisa), Rhonda Barker and Angela VanCamp; seven grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; three brothers in-law and their wives, along with many nieces and nephews all of whom loved him dearly.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be later in the year.  A grave side service was held Friday Jan 29, 2021, in Panama City, FL.

Please feel free to donate to your favorite Athletic Department in Coach Murphy’s name.