Tim Murphy, age 59, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton, Missouri.
Tim worked for Clay County Housing Authority and operated Murph’s Lawn Care. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a member of Clay City First Baptist Church. He served as President of the River Bottom Stump Sitters (White Tails Unlimited) and the Harter Township Fishing Club at Trago Lake. Tim was a member of the American Legion and the NRA as a dedicated advocate of gun ownership rights. He was a former track champion at Clay County Speedway and spent his spare time beekeeping and harvesting honey, as well as hunting and fishing. He enjoyed time spent making memories with family and friends and was a real grill master and smoker for get-togethers.
A Celebration of Life for Tim will begin with a visitation gathering from 4 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Trago Lake with a ceremony beginning at 6 p.m. Private burial will take place at Dillman Cemetery, Sailors Springs, with the presentation of military funeral honors. Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to River Bottom Stump Sitters for the benefit of their youth program and Tim’s dedication to the belief that “It’s all about the kids.” To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com
He was born November 11, 1961, in Shelbyville, Illinois, the son of John Thomas and Lola Jean (Parks) Murphy. He was united in marriage to Judy Noll Franklin Hurd on April 30, 1994, at Clay City First Baptist Church and together they have shared 27 wedding anniversaries.
He is survived by his wife: Judy Murphy of Clay City; children: Tanya (Tom) Petrillo of Salem, Charlie (Ashley Lyons) Murphy of Centralia, Stephanie Murphy-Wilson of Okawville, Camelia (John Hill) Hurd of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, Matthew Hurd (Mandy Bergstrom) of Rinard, and Timmy Murphy, who has since passed away on August 11, the following day after his father; 7 grandchildren: Roman (Miranda) Durre, Mason Durre, Liberty Buchanan, Adysen Pracht, Carolyn Hurd, Vicky Jo Hurd, and Ethan Petrillo; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings: Tina Bly, Harold Spitzner, and Wesley Murphy; and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Lola Jean Minter; father: John Thomas Murphy; stepmother: Joy Kay Murphy; and a sister: Sherry Spitzner.
