Obituary: Franklin ‘Tommy’ Lee Murphy

Franklin “Tommy” Lee Murphy, age 72, of Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, January 27, at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born October 13, 1942, in Winfield, Tennessee, the son of Nora Wilson Murphy and Ned Edward Murphy.

Mr. Murphy served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. He trained for a career with the railroad in Minnesota and retired from Burlington Northern, Santa Fe in Spokane, Washington. After retirement, he and his wife, Pat, relocated to Oak Ridge in 2006.

He enjoyed woodworking, auto mechanics, fishing, and computers.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by stepfather, Henry Jones.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patricia Bailey Murphy; sons, Greg Murphy and wife Laurie of Spokane, Washington, and Michael Murphy of Arlington, Oregon; sister, Pat Pruitt of Longview, Washington; sister-in-law, Carole Foust of Knoxville; two grandsons, Nathaniel Murphy and Jonathan Murphy, of Spokane, Washington; numerous extended family; and very special friends, Brenda Ralston of Norris, and Lloyd and Miriam Porterfield of Wenatchee, Washington. He will be missed by his faithful canine companions, Murphy, Bailey, and Boo.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Robertsville Baptist Church. A memorial service to celebrate his life will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Brian Scott officiating.

The family asks that any memorials be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.