Thomas D. Murphy

Dr. Thomas D. Murphy 81 of Bentonville passed away January 18, 2015 in his home. He was born July 19, 1933 in McGregor, Texas the son of CK and Mildred Spradley Murphy. Dr. Murphy a graduate of Bentonville High School in 1952; the University of Arkansas and received his Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry at Luther Rice Seminary and served in the United States Army. He was a active and successful business man and served as a deacon prior to pastoring in Lake City, Florida; Folkston and Bainbridge Georgia and Noel, Missouri. Dr. Murphy also Co-Founder and adjunct professor and trustee of Conservative Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida; taught at Georgia Baptist Extension Classes at Waycross Georgia and Trustee of Kenny Marr Ministry. Dr. Murphy was a member and taught adult bible class at Cross Church in Rogers. He also was a Pilot and a Hamm Radio Operator. He is preceded in death by two infant sons, John and Thomas; his parents and grandparents, Dee & Essie Spradley. Survived by his wife Laura Juanell Rush Murphy of the home; his son Larry J. Murphy, Sr. and wife Janet of Portugal; three grandchildren Larry J. "Jay" Murphy, Jr. and wife Emily of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; Laura M. Holland and husband Josh of Bella Vista; Thomas K. Murphy and wife Victoria of Louisville, Kentucky; three great-grandchildren, John Riley, Abigail and Daniel Dee Murphy; his brother, John Murphy and wife Doris of West Fork; his sister, Nancy McLoud of Centerton; brothers-in-law, Riley L Rush and wife Patsy of The Colony, Texas; Donald Gene Rush and wife Margaret of Dennison, Texas; Harold Weldon Rush and wife Nancy of Bella Vista; sisters-in-law, Shirley Rush of Centerton and Madeline Rush of Bentonville and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday; January 23, 2015 at the Chapel on the Creeks, 5202 Village Parkway, Rogers with Pastor Bob Ryan officiating. Interment will follow in the Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cross Church School of Ministry. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.