Ronald Murphy

Published 6:00 am Wednesday, December 18, 2024

BOWLING GREEN — Ronald Joseph Murphy, 84, passed away Dec. 15, 2024. A man with a strong love for family and community, along with a dedication to hard-work, Ron will be greatly missed by many. Ron was born in Bowling Green on Nov. 17, 1940 to the late George and Helen Denham Murphy.

He was a proud graduate of Bowling Green High School, and his love for this community continued throughout his lifetime. Most recently, Ron served several years as the executive director of the city’s Downtown Redevelopment Authority. His current passion was a dream to restore life to historic buildings downtown. In his young adult life, Ron moved down the road to Russellville, Kentucky to begin his banking career at First Federal Savings and Loan.

He moved back to Bowling Green in the early 1970s to work at Murphy Red-D-Mix, a concrete company started by his father and uncle. He later went on to create Murphy Red E Mix, where he worked with his late brother, Steve. Ron also spent time working at Scott and Murphy Inc.

During his time in the banking industry, Ron served as president of The Cumberland in Bowling Green. He also worked at Bowling Green Bank and Trust and New Farmers Bank in Glasgow. Aside from his work in concrete and banking, Ron had a love for politics. He ran for Kentucky State Senate in 1998 against now U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie. He also spent time in Frankfort, sharing his love for his community across all of Kentucky serving in various roles in state government. Ron was also active in many clubs and organizations including the Bowling Green-Warren County Jaycees and Senators Club and was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church.

He also spent time involved with the city’s Planning and Zoning and Airport Board. Ron very much enjoyed helping organize events downtown such as the summer concerts, finding a Christmas tree for the BG Lights Up celebration, and he often met with local leaders on ways to continually improve his beloved Bowling Green. During his time with the DRA, he helped breathe life back into the building at 601 State Street. Always dressed in a suit or button-down with khakis, Ron never wanted to retire and found joy in his work.

That included his “work” outside of the office, keeping many projects and “toys” to piddle with at home, often spending time working on various vehicles with his son-in-law. As always, Ron’s true love was his family. Ron and his wife, Gail, were married 62 years. Together they grew their family into generations of love and laughter.

Ron is survived by Gail, their daughter Donna (Eddie) Beane, grandchildren Darby (Sean) Baute and Forrest (Megan) Beane, and most recent addition, the couple’s first great-grandchild, Henry Edward Beane, born earlier this year. Ron is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda (Kurt) Winkenhofer, six nephews, and several great nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ron is preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers, Steve and Christopher Murphy.

Ron cherished many friendships and had a fierce love for his family. Their memories of him will forever be filled with tall tales, practical jokes, funny stories, warm hugs, unwavering support, and life lessons. “Grandaddy” as he was known by many, will live on through those he loved most.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm at J. C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday 10:00 am until time of services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery #2.