[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 156 (Saturday, November 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2242-E2243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     TRIBUTE TO JUDGE EARLE MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few moments to honor 
a man who has devoted his life to serving the people of Bradley County, 
Judge Earle Murphy.
  Through more than 50 years of service, Judge Murphy has become one of 
the most

[[Page E2243]]

respected judges in East Tennessee. He is known not only for his 
knowledge of the law, but also for his common sense approach to the 
law.
  But Judge Murphy's contributions to the people of Bradley County 
reach far beyond his legal career. In every aspect of his life, he 
dedicated himself to improving the world in which he lived.
  Judge Murphy was recently honored by the Bradley County Bar 
Association for his many achievements and his years of service to the 
people of Bradley County.
  I am deeply saddened to say that Judge Murphy passed away recently. 
Judge Murphy was an exemplary man, who made the most of his life. He 
will be missed by the many people who knew and loved him.
  I would like to call attention to the attached editorial which was 
printed in the Cleveland Daily Banner Newspaper shortly before Judge 
Murphy's death:

              Murphy's Contributions Should Be Recognized

       On Tuesday Judge Earle G. Murphy will be honored by the 
     Bradley County Bar Association for his more than 50 years of 
     service to the community.
       It is, undoubtedly, a celebration of a man who has not only 
     devoted himself to his job, but has given time and talent to 
     countless community service agencies, and we, as citizens of 
     Cleveland and Bradley County, owe him a debt of gratitude.
       Murphy began his life in the Bradley County Courthouse at 
     age 12. His father, James, served as county register of 
     deeds, and, when he was old enough, Murphy went with his dad 
     to help proofread deeds of trust and chattle mortgages each 
     day. He attended local schools, working after class. Before 
     long he formed relationships with attorneys in the area and a 
     craving for the study of the law.
       Lucky for us he did. His service as General Sessions, 
     Circuit Court, and Cleveland City judge over the years has 
     proven to be balanced and fair. Even in times when one party 
     or another didn't agree with Murphy's ruling, you could rest 
     assured that the decision was made with much thought and 
     great consideration for the law. Murphy's devotion to what is 
     fair and legal in his courtroom is apparent above all else.
       In addition, Murphy has proven to be a kind friend, a 
     sincere Christian, a loving family man, and a servant of the 
     public. He has worked, as president of both the Cleveland 
     Lions Club and of the Bar Association. He also gave eight 
     years to the Cleveland Board of Education. Most anyone in 
     town will tell you that Murphy and other community leaders 
     work during that period was greatly responsible for getting 
     Cleveland High School built when it was so desperately 
     needed.
       His personal love remains his wife, Norma, who he has been 
     devoted to for nearly 54 years. Murphy's children and 
     grandchildren are sparkles in his eyes, and though the 
     children are grown, the family remains close. Murphy has 
     served in almost every capacity at his church, First United 
     Methodist. He has been a chairman of the building committee, 
     a member of the choir, a Sunday School teacher, and he's 
     given the occasional sermon. As scoutmaster of that church's 
     Boy Scout troop, he touched the lives of many of the boys of 
     Bradley County. Those boys are men today, and no doubt they 
     still have enormous respect for their leader.
       Murphy's experience as a judge stayed with him in his 
     friendships. He was often a voice of mediation in times of 
     dissension, a compassionate listener other times. He helped 
     numerous young attorneys in Bradley County get their feet 
     planted; he acted as a guide and counselor, just as the older 
     attorneys he met in his youth did for him.
       The golf course was a place of escape for Murphy. He turned 
     his love of sports into energy which helped found the Bradley 
     Sports Foundation and Sports for Youth. It seems that in 
     every area of his life, Murphy looked beyond himself to the 
     greater good.
       We encourage everyone to take part in the ceremony lauding 
     the achievements of this man. He truly is the epitome of home 
     folk achieving greatness, and as a community we should be 
     very proud and grateful.

     

                          ____________________