Thomas Williams Murphy Sr.

Tom was born in Crystal, West Virginia, graduated Chattanooga HS, obtained a BS degree from the University of Chattanooga in 1958, and was a commissioned officer attaining the rank of Captain in the US Army Artillery. Tom worked 20 years at Interstate Life Insurance Co as an accountant/comptroller and 27 years at Provident General/Merastar Insurance Co. wearing many hats from accountant to human resources to facility manager—even after retirement. He was a member of First-Centenary United Methodist Church, where he was active in the Morgan Class and Chancel Choir. Tom was an avid sports fan, especially fond of the Kentucky Wildcats.

Above all else, Tom was a loving son, husband, father, granddaddy, brother, nephew, brother-in-law, uncle, and was blessed with many friends.

He was preceded in death by one-of-a-kind parents, Earl and Edna Murphy, along with several wonderful aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson Murphy; daughter, Laura Walden (Charlie) of Chattanooga; son, Dr. Thomas W. Murphy, Jr. (Allie) of San Diego, CA; and two granddaughters: Casey Grainger Walden, 14, and Dana Murphy Walden, 10, of whom he was extremely proud. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. James K. Murphy of Carrollton, GA; sister, Jane Hixson (Reggie) of Rossville, GA; aunts, Noreen Evans of Lexington, KY; Juanita Grainger of Chattanooga; six in-laws who loved him as a brother; fifteen nieces and nephews; and also by the “Murphy Clan” first cousins who grew up with him in Big Stone Gap, VA: Roger Daughtery, Carol Rasnic, Jane Stone, Sue Barker, Barbara Robinette, Mary Molly Flanders, and Pat Murphy, plus six Grainger cousins originating from West Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to First-Centenary’s Adult Ministry Missions, Chancel Choir, or Contact of Chattanooga.

Tom wanted his last words to be “Go Big Blue”, and came close with a final “I love you” to his wife.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be at 11 AM on Friday, July 9, 2010 at First Centenary United Methodist Church with Dr. Dwight Kilbourne, Dr. David Harr, and Dr. Al Bowles officiating. There will be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Morgan Sunday School Class and the Chancel Choir at First Centenary UMC, and his colleagues from Interstate Life Insurance Company.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist. Please share your condolences at www.MeM.com.