Mr. David W. Murphy, Sr., and a lifelong resident of Martin, Tennessee, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones at Van Ayer Nursing Home in Martin. David leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, devotion, and love for his family, his community, and the funeral profession to which he dedicated his life.

He was born February 7, 1939, to the late Douglas Ruel Murphy and Montez Winstead Murphy in Martin, Tennessee. Martin was not simply the place where David was born; it was his home, his community, and a place to which he gave so much of himself. Throughout his life, he invested his time, his talents, and his heart in the people, businesses, organizations, and institutions that make Martin special.

David was a proud United States Army veteran, serving from 1963-1965 during the era of the Korean conflict. His time and service included 13 months in South Korea working in the U.S. Army Mortuary. His military service reflected the same sense of duty, responsibility, and commitment that would define so much of his life.

He graduated from Martin High School in 1957 and continued his education at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville before transferring back home to The University of Tennessee at Martin where he received his degree in Physical Science and Liberal Arts in 1961 and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. He later attended John A. Gupton Mortuary School in Nashville, Tennessee, pursuing his education in funeral science and embalming. He served as President of his class and graduated in 1962.

David went on to build a distinguished career as a funeral director, mortician, and 3rd generation owner of Murphy Funeral Home, Murphy Florist, and St. Charles Flowers and Gifts in Martin. For David, funeral service was never simply a profession – it was a calling. He believed in being there for families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering compassion, dignity, comfort, guidance, and respect when they needed it most.

Over the years, David became a respected leader in the funeral profession. He was a longtime member and supporter of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association. He was honored as the 2014 inductee into the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association Wall of Fame. He was an instrumental part of TFDA having served many years as the Government Affairs Committee Chairman. A dedicated public servant, he honorably served two terms as President on the Tennessee State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers, having received gubernatorial appointments from both Governor Ned Ray McWherter and Governor Phil Bredesen. His knowledge, leadership, and dedication earned him the respect of those who worked alongside him and the trust of the countless families he served.

David’s commitment to service extended far beyond his profession. He believed strongly in giving back to the community that had given him his home. Beginning in 1973, he served as a Martin alderman and remained actively involved in numerous city boards and civic organizations. He served approximately 15 years as a director on the board for Volunteer General Hospital as well as Chairman. He worked to help strengthen the community and improve the lives of the people in Martin.

His civic involvement included the American Legion Post 55, Martin Rotary Club for over 60 years where he served as President, and the Elks Lodge. He was a longtime supporter of The University of Tennessee at Martin, he was a member of the Captains Club, and the UTM Board of Governors. David never sought recognition for his service. For him, serving his community was simply part of who he was. He believed that when you belong to a community, you have a responsibility to make it better than you found it.

At the heart of David’s life, however, was his family. His family was among his greatest sources of pride and joy. The love he gave them and the lessons he passed down will remain a part of his family’s story for generations to come.

David was more than a funeral director, a veteran, a businessman, or a civic leader. He was a pillar of the Martin and Weakley County community. His life was woven into the fabric of the town and county he loved. Through the funeral home he operated, the businesses he built, the boards on which he served, the organizations he supported, and the countless lives he touched, David helped shape the community he called home.

His influence reached generations of families throughout Martin and Weakley County. He was someone many people turned to in times of sorrow, a neighbor who believed in giving back, a leader who believed in his community, and a father and grandfather whose greatest legacy will always be the family he loved.

David’s passing leaves an immeasurable absence. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, fellow veterans, and the many families whose lives he touched throughout his years of service. Yet while his presence is gone, the legacy he built remains.

David gave a lifetime to Martin, Tennessee. He served it, he believed in it, and helped make it better.His earthly work is finished, but his legacy of love, service, and devotion lives on.

David is survived by his children Jennifer Murphy Gaw of Nashville, TN, David Winstead Murphy, Jr. of Martin, TN, and Ginger Ellen Murphy of Martin, TN; his grandchildren, Jeannette Arnold Gaw of Chicago, IL and 1st Lieutenant Douglas Murphy Gaw of San Diego, CA; Nathan Tyler Perry of Lebanon, TN; and Mary Elizabeth Higgs and Murphy Michael Higgs of Martin, TN.

In addition to his parents, Doug and Montez Murphy, David is preceded in death by his aunt Pearl Annette Winstead Wiles, his uncle Sam Atkins Winstead, and his beloved wife Patty Futrell Murphy of 49 years.

Visitation will be on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Murphy Funeral Home in our funeral chapel.Funeral services for Mr. Murphy will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am until the hour of service at Murphy Funeral Home in our funeral chapel.Burial to follow to at Eastside Cemetery.

 Active pallbearers to serve:David W. Murphy Jr., Murphy Higgs, Nathan Perry, Keith Pettit, Shorty Alexander, and Harry Lee Caudle.

Honorary pallbearers to serve:
Billy Webb, Todd Hampton, Curtis Sullivan, Brian Carroll, Richard Kelly, Mac wood, Herman Smith, Robert Gribble, John Tanner, Paul Phelan, Keith Carver, Mike Wilson, Dale Bolding, Madison Buckley.
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Murphy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-587-3121