Terry Paul Murphy

He was born on March 13, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to James “Jim” Charles Murphy and Ivon (Wagner) Murphy. Terry was the oldest of four children. He was raised working on the family dairy farm. Life on the farm taught him resilience working from sunup to sundown. He also learned how to nurture and appreciate God’s creation.

Terry accepted Jesus as his Savior on March 28, 1962, and he was baptized at Hopewell Baptist Church on April 8, 1962. Terry was a devoted Christian with a strong faith in Jesus who loved to study the Bible. His faith was demonstrated by how he raised his family and by his tireless service to others. Throughout the years, Terry attended several different churches and had a role of youth pastor, Sunday school teacher, small group leader, trombone player, and choir member.

Terry graduated as Valedictorian from Deer Creek High School in 1972. He received a full ride to Oklahoma City University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He later attended the University of Oklahoma to continue his education toward his teaching certification. It might have looked like he became a teacher to support his farming habit, but anyone who knew him knew he loved students just as much as he loved the land.

Terry met the love of his life, Cathy Wudi, at a wedding. One year later, on May 26, 1979, they were married beginning a lifelong partnership full of love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Together they raised seven children. Terry’s main priority was always keeping his family close. He devoted himself to his family, teaching life lessons and practical skills as they grew. His love languages were acts of service and quality time. He often shared their interests, even becoming the Cub Master when his children were in Scouts. One way to keep his family around him was to make sure there was always food, fresh tea, and Dr Pepper. He was always there to help, whether you needed it, wanted it, or had already done it yourself.

Terry taught for about 40 years in various school districts. His longest tenure was in Piedmont Public Schools. After retiring from teaching, Terry decided to slow down by driving a school bus, until he realized retirement clearly wasn’t for him. Terry was teaching full-time at Putnam City Academy at the time of his death.

Terry was a talented athlete playing both basketball and baseball. He loved watching all sports. He was an avid reader with a curious mind. He loved the outdoors, including hiking, fishing, and traveling, and firmly believed he could predict the weather better than most professionals… and often, he was right. Terry also loved animals of all kinds and treated them like part of the family.

Terry was the definition of friendly and never met a stranger. He would talk to absolutely anyone, anywhere, often leaving with a new friend—and possibly having helped them fix something they hadn’t asked him to fix. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed storytelling.

Terry’s deep relationship with Christ produced the defining characteristics of his life and personality. His legacy of love was shown through service by putting others' interest above himself. He put others first with love, joy, patience, kindness, and gentleness. He leaves behind a powerful example of what it means to live a life centered on faith in Jesus, devotion to family, and loving others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Jim” and Ivon Murphy; his daughter, Brooklyn Kate Murphy; and his brother, Mike Murphy, MD.

Terry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cathy Murphy; his children, Tara and Brian and their children Kelsie, Preston, Sutton, and Hollis Alexander; Anna and Lesley and their children Jeremiah, Malachi, Ezra, and Micah Knight; Benjamin and Frances and their child Cheyenne Murphy; Rebekah and Chris and their children Nathaniel, Helen, Anita, Jane, and baby boy Kiefer; Daniel and Jenna and their child Arwyn Murphy; and Ryan Murphy. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Florene Murphy; his sister and brother-in-law, Joy and Phillip Lindsey, MD; his mother-in-law, Ann Wudi; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services to celebrate Terry’s life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025, at 2pm at The Bridge Piedmont, 4050 Edmond Rd NE in Piedmont. Graveside services will follow at Chapel Hill. The family will receive friends at Chapel Hill on Thursday, January 1 from 4-6pm.