Reverend Timothy H. Murphy, Sr.

November 8, 1949 - November 4, 2024

Rev. Timothy H. Murphy, Sr., was a mess his whole life. He dropped into this world in 1949 at Decatur General Hospital not far from one of his favorites, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q. But BBQ restaurants across the Southeast will be devastated by his passing.

On an Easter Sunday long ago, while his father, the Rev. Charles H. Murphy II, was preaching a sermon, young Tim was sitting in the front pew sticking jelly beans up his nose.

He moved to LA as a teenager (lower Alabama) and graduated from T.R. Miller High School in Brewton before matriculating at the University of Alabama during the reign of Bear Bryant, who met the legend of an undergraduate one day near the Fiji House on University Boulevard. Bear looked up to Tim because he was 6'4".

Tim's real home and heart was at Camp McDowell, Alabama’s Episcopal Church camp in Nauvoo. He could play the guitar like he was ringing a bell, but he also thumped the double bass, played the piano, and had impeccable rhythm and musical taste. His ability as a song leader was unrivaled.

He became "Father Tim" after graduating from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, across the Potomac from D.C. He and the love of his life, Susan Sedberry Murphy, had four astonishing offspring- Hunter (Danny), Mary Katherine "Kak" Murphy Rowe, Charles Hurt Murphy, IV, and Andrew P. Murphy- as well as three phenomenal grandchildren- Jack, Malachi, and Harper Anne- who survived him.

Father Tim was an avid indoorsman, although he enjoyed long drives in his many vehicles, such as the hideous station wagon he bought and nicknamed "The Blue Goose," and a party barge pontoon boat he navigated up and down the Tennessee and Black Warrior Rivers.

He was built for the Great Indoors and had a legendary wit, writing songs, short stories, sermons, and hilarious epistles to his friends and family.

He loved all his churches and had the longest stints in Scottsboro (St. Luke's), Florence (Trinity), and Jasper (St. Mary's). He encouraged his parishioners to attend Camp, Cursillo, and Kairos Prison Ministry.

Many people will always love and miss him, including his friends, kids, ex-wives, and the American beer industry. He was and will always be a main character. In his best moments, Tim Murphy made people laugh, love God, and enjoy music.

The family would like to thank St. Martin’s in the Pines, Davita Dialysis, and Compassus Hospice for their care and long-suffering. His celebration of life will take place at 11am Friday, November 15, at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 801 The Trace Jasper, AL 35504. Donations can be made to Camp McDowell. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for you to enjoy your life, live in the moment, and be a vibe like Tim Murphy.