Remembering Tom Murphy

In lieu of flowers, the Murphy family requests that donations be made to the Speaker Thomas B. Murphy Memorial Fund at West Georgia University. The address for donations is: Speaker Thomas B. Murphy Memorial Fund, University of West Georgia Foundation Inc., 1601 Maple St., Carrollton, Ga. 30118.

In memoriam: thoughts about Tom Murphy

"The thoughts and prayers of Georgia Democrats are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Tom Murphy.

"Georgia lost a true statesman last night. Tom Murphy was a fixture in Georgia politics, and an agent of much of our state's success and prosperity. His exceptional tenure as Speaker is a testament to his dedication to the people of Georgia.

"We'll miss his knowledge, commitment to Georgia's future, and sharp wit, and while we may try to fill his shoes, there will never be another Tom Murphy."

Jane Kidd, Chair, the Democratic Party of Georgia

"The best friend that the metro Atlanta area ever had was Tom Murphy."

Governor Roy Barnes

"He embraced changes ... and molded Georgia's adaptation in so many areas -- always with an eye to and concern for working Georgians and especially the underprivileged folks in our state. He spoke for the people who had no voice and stood strongly for them even when it was unpopular to do so."

Linda Edmonds, 4th Congressional District Chair/Director, Atlanta Area Democrats

"He has left a great legacy for Georgia. The prayers of the entire state are with his family today."

Rep. DuBose Porter, House Minority Leader

"“If there was list of all of the good things that Tom Murphy did in his public career for the state it would stretch over 400 miles from Lookout Mountain in North Georgia to St. Marys in South Georgia. Speaker Murphy was one of the best leaders this state has ever seen and it was an honor to serve with him in the House of Representatives."

Rep. Calvin Smyre, House Democratic Caucus Chair