Rodney Earl Murphy was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on November 5, 1952, and died at the age of 73, on October 31, 2026, at his home in Bartlett, Tennessee. He graduated from Sturgis High School, attended Mississippi State University, and graduated from Mississippi College. Rodney played football during college and began his career as a teacher and coach in Memphis, Tennessee, at Raleigh-Egypt High School. He also managed Scenic Hills Recreation Club in the summers. After several years in the field of education, Rodney transitioned to the insurance profession where he enjoyed a successful career. He earned the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant. He built Murphy and Associates where his son, Cary, worked alongside him. Murphy and Associates later became part of Clay & Land Insurance, Inc.
Rodney was a gifted athlete. He played football from a young age and was also an avid golfer, evidenced by a hole in one in 2010, at Seneca Golf Course in Georgetown, Kentucky. He was active at Memphis National Golf Club, not only on the golf course but in the clubhouse where he could often be found enjoying time with friends. He loved watching sports and cheering for his favorite team--which most recently was any team fielding the youngest members of the family, especially grandson, Bradley. Rodney was affectionately known by nicknames like Rod, Hot Rod, Coach, Murph Dawg, and Big Guy, and was well-loved by family and friends. His winsome smile and gentle demeanor put all who met him at ease.
Rodney was a faithful member of Scenic Hills United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees, graciously sharing his expertise and advising on issues, especially related to the church property.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jamie “Joy” Murphy, and his beloved son, Cary Bradley Murphy, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Janet Mosby Murphy, grandson Cary Bradley Murphy, Jr., daughter-in-law Deborah Alina Murphy, and Cary’s mother Linda Murphy. Survivors also include stepchildren Heather Sprague (Joel), Jacob Ross (Sara), and Marcy Ross, along with their children Elijah and Harper Sprague, Hazel and Eloise Ross, and Preston Ross. Additional survivors include sisters-in-law Cynthia Jaggers (Jim) and Rebecca Halvorson (Joel), and their children Justin, Jeremy (Nancy), Jennifer, and William Jaggers, and Olivia and Ben Halvorson. Also left to cherish his memory are several cousins and other dear relatives and friends. A special thanks is extended to Ed Webb who cheerfully and tirelessly assisted in caring for Rodney the past several months.
Visitation will be Thursday, November 5th from 4-6 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A Celebration of Life service will be Friday, November 6th at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., at Scenic Hills United Methodist Church, 2847 Pembroke Road, Memphis, TN 38128. Burial will follow at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway. If desired, memorials may be made to Scenic Hills United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
