Thomas Murray

Thomas ("Tom") Marion Murray passed away on December 27, 2024, in Decatur, Georgia.

Tom will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Tom was a pillar for his extended family and a mentor and role model to many. Tom was a "funny guy" and his quick wit and sense of humor were appreciated by all. He was loved by so many people and will be truly missed.

Tom's last days included a wonderful four-day celebration beginning December 22nd with Thomas Eve followed by Thomas Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day with his beloved family. He planned on spending a week at our special place, St. Simons Island, with his family before his untimely passing. Tom had chronic health conditions which he faced with strength and fortitude in his final years. He never complained and put forth great effort to spend more time with his loved ones. His death is a great shock to all of us.

Tom was born in Louisville, Kentucky on December 23, 1953, to Michael ("Mike") Murray and Elizabeth ("Betty") Murray nee Moriarty. Tom's birthday's proximity to Christmas was a lifelong source of good-natured lamenting by Tom, but he was always surrounded by family and friends who gathered to celebrate a fun-loving Irishman.

Tom was the fourth of eight children, with three brothers and four sisters. Tom attended Saint Martha Grade School and Trinity High School, where he was vice president of his senior class and a star running back on the football team. Tom proudly received an appointment to the Naval Academy in 1972. Tom left the Naval Academy in 1974 after a football injury to be a student at the University of Kentucky with the love of his life and best friend, Rita Miller Murray. Tom was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and an ever optimistic and vocal member of the Big Blue Nation. He loved his Kentucky Wildcats!

Tom immediately began working for Hormel Foods following his graduation and was a loyal "Spamologist" for 39 years. Tom was a mentor to countless Hormel employees over his long career.

Tom and Rita were married at Our Lady of Lourdes on July 15, 1977. Tom and Rita moved around the country seven times due to his advancing career with Hormel. They made wonderful, lifelong friends as they raised their children in Cincinnati, OH and Richmond, VA.

Tom was the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Erin and Jessica. He adored his girls and provided a loving home full of laughter. As their biggest cheerleader, Tom never missed a swim meet or soccer game and remained dedicated and supportive throughout their adult life.

Tom and Rita moved back to their birthplace, Louisville, in 2014 to be close to their extended Murray and Miller families. Tom and Rita were active members of Saint Bernadette Catholic Church. Tom found fulfillment helping others as a Vincentian for Saint Vincent de Paul. He also enjoyed playing golf with his family and friends. He made many happy memories going to Kentucky Wildcat football games.

Tom and Rita moved to Atlanta four months ago to be close to his daughters, sons-in-law, and four precious grandchildren. Tom thoroughly enjoyed being grandpa "Bee" to Thomas, Kate, Avery and

Maddie. His wish was to spend his remaining years with his beloved grandchildren that were his greatest source of pride.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Michael and John, and sisters Ann and Cathy. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Rita, daughters Erin (Andrew) O'Connell and Jessica (Andrew) Nicks, grandchildren Thomas, Kate, Avery and Madelyn, sisters Peggy Murray and Mary Jo Jones (Randy), and brother Andy Murray (Karen). He is also survived by 11 sisters-in-law, 8 brothers-in-law, and countless nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Highlands Funeral Home located at 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40205. The visitation will conclude with a prayer service and eulogy beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025, beginning at 9:45 a.m. at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church. St. Bernadette Church's address is 6500 Saint Bernadette Avenue, Prospect, Kentucky 40059.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's name to Saint Vincent DePaul Louisville and the Coach Paulie and Mary Miller Endowment Fund of Kosair for Kids (https://www.kosair.org/miller).