Thomas “Tommy” McMurtry, 94, passed away on November 16, 2025, at Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital.
Born on September 6, 1931, in Calvert City to Charles and Bessie Rye McMurtry, Tommy grew up with the kind of grit, humor, and kindness that would shape his entire life. For thirty-one years, Tommy worked at the SKW plant in Calvert City, where he built not only a career but friendships that lasted a lifetime. He retired from SKW with a reputation for taking pride in a hard day’s work and was known for never missing a single day. After retiring, he served McCracken County for eleven years as a deputy sheriff, a role he approached with honesty, strength, and a deep commitment to his community.
Tommy had a gift for fixing things, especially lawn mowers. If it had an engine, he could make it run. He became the “lawn mower expert” of Calvert City, where he was known to be reliable, inventive, and always willing to help. But what he repaired most often was the mood of anyone who came around him. Tommy loved to make people laugh. He had a charm about him, mischievous at times, always genuine, which made him unforgettable. Even as his health changed, Tommy never lost that spark.
Often described as a true “character,” Tommy’s outgoing personality stood out even more when Providence Pointe became his new home. It was there that he proudly stepped into his unofficial role as the “deputy sheriff” of the community. He checked on everyone, making sure things were in order, and kept an eye on the hallway happenings. It gave him purpose, pride, and endless stories to share. The staff and residents didn’t just know him, they adored him.
Tommy was a man of faith and a devoted member of Lone Valley Christian Assembly. Tommy and his wife, Shirley, sang in the church's quartet, where they were known as the Lone Valley Echoes. He lived out his beliefs in the quiet, steady way he loved his family, served others, and showed up day after day for the people who needed him.
He is survived by his three children, Brenda Ann (Stan) Redick of Suwanee, Kentucky; Linda Gail (Mike) Thompson of Benton, Kentucky; and Tom (Lori) McMurtry of Paducah. He is also survived by one sister, Ruby Hurley of Calvert City; a daughter-in-law, Starr McMurtry; ten grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Tommy was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved wife of 72 years, Shirley Ann Stamper McMurtry. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jerry McMurtry; two sisters, Verda Seibert and Mayme Pugh; and one brother, Charles McMurtry Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Milner & Orr
Funeral Home of Paducah with Tommy’s grandson, Nathan Freeman, officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Providence Pointe Healthcare, 100 Marshall Ct., Paducah, KY 42001.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.milnerandorr.com.
