Therman Eugene Murphree, of Holly Pond, Alabama, went to be with his Lord on October 11, 2024 at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving wife, Jean and their extended family in his home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Holly Pond. Therman was an extraordinary man whose life was defined by love, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to those around him.
Born May 26, 1930 to Oncie and Dessie Murphree of Holly Pond, Therman was proud to be the second oldest of nine brothers and sisters. Raised on a farm, Therman learned the value of hard work, dedication to family, and above all, faith.
Therman graduated from Holly Pond High School where he met his wife of 71 years, Jean Harris Murphree. Shortly after graduation, in 1950, Therman enlisted in the military, serving in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. During his service he was stationed in Burtonwood, England and Del Rio, Texas, where Jean joined him after their marriage in 1953.
Upon honorable discharge from service to his country, the newlyweds returned home to Cullman to start their family and careers.
Therman led a successful career in insurance, starting with Liberty National Life Insurance, where he served for over 17 years, including seven years in management. His work ethic was consistently recognized for leading the district in sales and service. After departing the company in order to return to Cullman, he established his own independent insurance agency and then shortly after that he and Jean opened Murphree’s Menswear, a clothing store supplying every well-dressed man in town with suits and formalwear.
Time spent running small businesses furthered Therman’s interest to serve his community, a passion that led him to pursue politics.
First elected to the Cullman City Council in 1976, Therman was driven to build and better his growing community. His dedication to public service was the catalyst for running for mayor of Cullman, of which he was elected in 1988 and served for four years in office.
Therman believed that we should all do our civic duty as exemplified by his other notable leadership roles as an officer in the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Civitan, Kiwanis Club and many other worthy causes through his years.
Topping his list of accomplishments was the family he and Jean built. Of note, the Murphree family expanded briefly to host exchange student, Rolf Steffenson of Hamaroy, Norway, with whom a close and special relationship remains. Rare were the days that he didn’t keep a full calendar of events of his children and grandchildren, of which sporting events, family road trips to national parks, church and school programs were among those most cherished.
Therman loved his Savior above all else and anyone who knew him knew he was a Christ follower. He was confident to express this joy with others, but the fruit of his life was the ultimate testimony. Therman proudly served in his church as a faithful member, teacher, advisor and Deacon at East Side Baptist, and the First Baptist Churches of Sylacauga, Cullman, and Holly Pond.
Therman is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jean Harris Murphree, daughter Nan Murphree Priest (Marlin) and sons, Dr. Steven T. Murphree (Alisa) and Chris M. Murphree (Holly). Therman was “G-Daddy” to seven grandchildren Callie N. Priest, Mera P. Price (Chris), Justin S. Murphree (Melanie), Dr. Katharine J. Murphree (Brendan Sheehy), Patrick H. Murphree (Kayti), Matthew W. Murphree (Katey), Samuel W. Murphree (Faith) and five great grandchildren Liam Price, Libby Price, Amelia Kate Hopkins, Macey Murphree and Blair Sheehy. Surviving siblings include his brother, Rayburn Murphree (Dean) and three sisters Delba Bright, Glenda Bates, Elaine Simpson and many nieces and nephews.
Therman is preceded in death by his father and mother, Oncie and Dessie Murphree and brothers Leonard Murphree (Dora), Douglas Murphree (Janice), Bobby Ray Murphree, and Kenneth Murphree.
A special thank you to Aveanna Home Health (Comfort Care) and personal caregivers: Judy Moran, Patsy Rice and Dean Dyer for their professional and compassionate care.
Visitation will be held Monday, October 14, 2024 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Holly Pond Funeral Home, with a Celebration Service to follow on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Holly Pond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Therman’s honor to the Alabama Baptist Mission Board or The International Mission Board (imb.org/generosity/).
