Jerome Thomas Murphy

Jerome Thomas Murphy (Jerry), 61, of Pensacola, FL, passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his children in the early hours Monday, February 20, 2017, after several years of bravely battling an extensive illness. Born in 1955 to John and Edna Murphy at Fort Benning, GA, Jerry grew up in a military family and, after a brief stint as an Army Airborne paratrooper, Jerry proudly served the rest of his military career, until retirement, as an Aircraft Electrician in the US Navy. Jerry continued his career in the civilian life in the aerospace industry, underwater ROV telemetry, and communication technologies. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Jerry and his family have been Pensacola residents since 1997. Jerry was a dedicated member of Foundation Church, faithfully serving the Praise team with his musical talents. His passion for music, especially guitar, spread infectiously into the lives of all who surrounded him in faith and family, inspiring and encouraging generations of family and friends to pursue and enhance their own musical talents and abilities. Jerry found his greatest joy in playing and singing worship music and the blues, putting his knees in the breeze on his motorcycle, and most recently, playing ducks and dinosaurs with his Granddaughter Sophie. Jerry Murphy will best be remembered as a loyal, dedicated, and faithful Grandfather, Father, Husband, Family Member, Friend, Veteran, Musician, Servant, and Child of God. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Amy Murphy, his son Joshua Rowe (24) and his wife Wanda, his daughter Chelsea Rowe (23) and granddaughter Sophie Hawkins (3), and son Ryan Murphy (21), and an overwhelming number more of extended family, “adopted” family, church family, and friends. A Memorial and Musical Life Celebration Service will be held Saturday, February 25th, at 2pm at New Dimensions Church, 3201 W. Navy Blvd., followed immediately by open mic jam session, food, and fellowship. A viewing hour at 9am followed by a brief prayer service at 10amwill be held Monday, February 27th, at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N. New Warrington followed by a Patriot Riders escorted procession to Barrancas National Cemetery for a full military interment ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please donate, in Jerry’s honor, to your favorite charity that serves or supports the military, veterans, music education in schools, COPD research, or mission’s ministry. Oak Lawn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.