Dan Jerry Murphy

Dan Jerry Murphy, age 82, of Calhoun, passed away Saturday, December 20th, at Advent Gordon Hospital.

Dan was born July 4, 1943, in Calhoun, the son of the late Grace Henderson Murphy. He was a lifelong resident of the community he loved and faithfully served. Before his retirement, Dan was an engineer with the Georgia Department of Transportation, where he devoted 35 years to both large and small projects across the state. During his career, he was part of engineering crews that constructed original sections of Interstate 75 in Georgia, as well as the iconic Spaghetti Junction in Atlanta. Dan was known for filling in wherever he was needed, including operating snow plows during severe winter storms, most notably the historic Blizzard of 1993.

Dan proudly served in the Georgia National Guard and was a longtime, devoted member of the Calhoun Church of Christ. During his years as a deacon, he served with a humble and willing heart, finding joy in helping others—whether leading prayer, mowing the church grounds, cleaning, making repairs, or assisting fellow church members with moves and daily needs.

Dan and Debbie were married on September 23, 1967, at the Calhoun Church of Christ, beginning a loving marriage that spanned more than 57 years. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

In addition to his mother, Dan was preceded in death by his twin brother, Don Murphy.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Deborah Middleton Murphy; his daughter, Megan Grace Murphy; two grandchildren, Stella Ruth Greeson and Canon Greeson, whom he lovingly adored; two sisters, Mary Ruth Brown (and her daughter, Tammy Brown) and Kay Parker; along with a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many loving friends.

Dan always had a story to tell and a smile for everyone he met. He was known for his witty and notorious sense of humor, especially when it came to politics and current affairs. He loved cars his entire life, having raced and rebuilt them in his younger years. A natural tinkerer, Dan could fix just about anything—motors, carpentry, home repairs, plumbing, painting—there was little he couldn’t figure out with patience and determination.

Above all else, Dan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather (“Umps,” as he was lovingly called), brother, uncle, and friend. He spent his entire life providing for and caring for his family, asking for nothing in return. Giving to his wife, daughter, and especially his grandchildren was his life’s purpose, greatest joy, and highest honor.

His grandchildren, Stella and Canon, stole his whole heart and were his proudest accomplishment. He loved waiting for the school bus each day and spending afternoons with Canon—sharing ice cream, Dollar General trips, and quiet moments together. His granddaughter Stella named him “Umps” as a toddler, and that name lovingly stayed with him for the past 15 years.

Umps was as generous, selfless, reliable, loving, and hardworking a man as they come.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, December 23rd, at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home, with Pastor Rob Berghorst officiating. Burial will follow in Chandler Cemetery with Phil McEntyre, Scott McEntyre, Jay Cook, Doug Romans, Greg Romans, Nick Price, and Canon Greeson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Black, Bill Price, Junior Baker, and Canon Greeson.

The family will receive friends Monday evening, December 22nd, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com.

Thomas Funeral Home and its staff are honored to serve the family of Dan Jerry Murphy.