Mr. Thomas Bailey Murphy, age 83, of Bremen, GA, the longest serving Speaker of the State House of Representatives in United States History, passed away on Monday December 17, 2007 at his Home in Bremen. Speaker Murphy''s health had been steadily declining in recent years as the result of a Stroke. Mr. Murphy shaped modern Georgia history as much or more than any other individual. An exceptional "country lawyer" from Bremen, he was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1960. From 1974 through 2002, Murphy presided over the House chamber during one of Georgia''s greatest periods of growth & economic prosperity. Mr. Murphy was born on March 10, 1924 in Bremen, GA to the Late William Harvey Murphy and Leitta Jones Murphy. Additionally, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Agnes Bennett Murphy, his brothers, James Rutherford Murphy, Eugene Harvey Murphy, and Earl Murphy; an infant sister & a son in law, John Frederick Oxendine. A United States Navy veteran, Mr. Tom Murphy served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. His public career began in the courthouses of north west Georgia, where he practiced law in the Firm established by his brother & mentor James. James'' crippling arthritis often times required Tom to carry him up & down courthouse staircases. He began his political career as a member of the Bremen Board of Education. Often times characterized as a stern leader, Speaker Murphy''s reputation was tempered by the reality of his tenderheartedness. He truly believed and often said that those less fortunate should not have to start out life with two strikes against them. Tom, as he was called in his native Haralson County, left a legacy of fiscal restraint, social caring and a deep belief that as Atlanta goes so goes the rest of the State. His rural roots never stood in the way of progressive policies that enabled the capital city to become an international juggernaut. Speaker Murphy''s support & leadership directly led to the World Congress Center, the Georgia Dome and even the Centennial Olympics. Georgia doubled its investment in higher education during his tenure-while cutting taxes, not raising them. As was the norm throughout his political career, Murphy''s close knit family was present at his bedside during his final moments. He is survived by, Son & Daughter in law, Judge Michael L. Murphy and Carol Murphy of Bremen. His Daughters, Martha Murphy Long and Mary Murphy Oxendine, both of Bremen. Daughter & Son in law, Lynn Murphy McAdams & Kenneth M. McAdams, also of Bremen. His Grandchildren, David Bailey McBrayer & His Wife Lisa, M. Chad Long, Holly Long Otwell & Her Husband Michael Scott Otwell, Lyndsey M. McAdams, all of Bremen and Lauren Murphy Ray & Her Husband Todd Sydney Ray of Arlington, GA. His Great Grandchildren, Hunter Perkins, David McBrayer, Jr., Matthew McBrayer, Tyler Scott Otwell, & Martha Grace Otwell, all of Bremen and Thomas Sidney Ray & Murphy Kathleen Ray, both of Arlington. A number of Nieces and Nephews also survive. Speaker Murphy will Lie in State at the Capital Rotunda in Atlanta, GA on Friday December 21, 2007 from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will then be moved to Lie in State at the West Central Technical College in Waco, GA from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Funeral services for retired Speaker of the House Thomas B. Murphy will be conducted on Saturday December 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. from the West Central Technical College in Waco, GA. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Bremen. In Lieu of Flowers memorial contributions can be made to; The UWG Speaker Murphy Office Fund, 1601 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118. The McDonald & Son Funeral Home of Cumming, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements and this announcement is made locally for the Family and Friends by Hutcheson''s Memorial Chapel of Buchanan.