Mr. Murphy LeDay, Sr.VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the Antioch Baptist Church in Ville Platte, LA for Mr. Murphy LeDay, Sr., 87. Mr. LeDay passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Senior Village Nursing Home in Opelousas, LA after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease and related complications. Rev. Eradley Ben, Sr., his pastor and friend, will officiate the funeral services. Murphy LeDay, Sr. was born on October 29, 1929 to Alfred "Fredrick" LeDay and Octavia McCauley in Ville Platte, Louisiana. With the early passing of his parents, Murphy was raised by his paternal grandparents, David "Pete" LeDay and his beloved ma mere, Marie Frank LeDay. Murphy received his early schooling in Evangeline Parish before he joined the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he served his country and was honorably discharged, and then returned home to Ville Platte. Murphy loved his family and he believed in hard work. Throughout his adult life, Murphy drew upon his mechanical inclinations and natural leadership skills in his professional work as a supervisor, welder, truck driver, and mechanic. These traits also served him as well in his home life, evidenced by his beautiful flower and vegetable gardens and the many construction projects he undertook to support the family's small farm. Murphy also loved his church, where he was baptized, contributed cheerfully, and served as a Deacon for more than 30 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his deacon duties, especially delivering the Sunday meditations. Murphy is survived by his wife of 55 years, Loretha Del Jackson LeDay of Plaisance, LA; three sons, Vishankski LeDay of Plaisance, LA, Chennault LeDay of Boston, MA, and Murphy (Toynette) LeDay, Jr. of Lafayette, LA; two daughters, Lesha May of Opelousas, LA and Sonja (Christopher) Taylor of Blythewood, SC; three sisters-in-law, Lillian Lou Stewart, Rev. Ollie Mae Jackson, and Brander Gail Augustine, all of Opelousas, LA; and one brother-in-law, Hubert Lee (Natalie) Jackson of Katy, TX. Murphy also leaves to cherish his memory 18 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Murphy is predeceased by his parents Alfred "Frederick" LeDay and Octavia McCauley; his paternal grandparents, David "Pete" LeDay and Marie Frank LeDay; his maternal grandparents, Tarv McCauley and Elizabeth Charles; his son, Shawn Elliott LeDay; his brother, Julius LeDay, and his sister, Mildred Tezeno Gooden. The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Calvin White and the employees of the Opelousas General Health System, as well as the Prompt Succor and Senior Village Nursing Homes for their loving care and support. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 8 from 9:00 am - 10:45 am at the Antioch Baptist Church, 215 E. Lincoln Road, Ville Platte, LA. Words of condolences may be expressed at www.fordandjosephfh.com. Ford and Joseph Funeral Home, 907 N. Market Street, Opelousas, LA, (337)942-6750, is in charge of all arrangements.