A group of funeral home employees and well-wishers, said in unison, "Rest in peace, James," as they unveiled his tombstone, with his real name in small letters below large type reading, "Stoneman Willie."
Because Murphy gave a fake name when arrested, local officials were unable to locate relatives, said local historian George Meiser.
"Weeks passed, months passed, years passed and no one claimed the remains," Meiser said at the service.
Pastor Robert Whitmire told the gatherers that to those who may have known him, "Stoneman Willie...at one time may have been a beloved friend and family member."
Reporting by Julio-Cesar Chavez in Reading, Pennsylvania, writing and additional reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; editing by Diane CraftOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
James Murphy, Stoneman Willie, James, Murphy, Kyle Blankenbiller, Theo C, George Meiser, Weeks, Meiser, Stoneman, Pastor Robert Whitmire, Julio, Cesar Chavez, Rich McKay, Diane Craft
Organizations:
Reading, Auman Inc, Thomson
Locations:
Reading , Pennsylvania, U.S, Pennsylvania, New York, Reading, Atlanta