Former Speaker Terry Coleman On Tom Murphy:

(12/21/07) Text of former Speaker Terry Coleman's eulogy, delivered in the House chamber:

We gather here today to honor a man who believed this House had a responsibility to the people of Georgia -- all of the people -- and who did everything in his power to ensure it fulfilled that responsibility.

For nearly three decades Tom Murphy stood behind this podium and used the power it represents to play a role in every major good and positive thing that happened in Georgia.

He worked with every governor, department head and constitutional officer since 1961.

Sometimes he strongly disagreed with them, but even when he disagreed with the person, he always respected the office.

From behind this podium he championed the underprivileged, argued for the underdog, an,d stood fast for the infirm.

From here Tom Murphy spurred improvements in rural and urban areas alike, raised the bar for healthcare and education and pushed for economic development and equality.

His leadership evolved over decades of service from post-war turbulence through the dot-com boom - then bust; from spittoons under the desks to laptops on top of the desks. But no matter the circumstances, he remained as constant as the North Star.

He loved his nation, he loved his state, and he loved his family. And Tom Murphy loved this Georgia House of Representatives. He was protective of its members, its traditions and most of all, its independence. And he fought hard for the House -- all of the time -- all of the time.

I remember serving on the conference committee -- as he called us, his "young boys." We had our first session over at the Senate, where things went reasonably well. We concluded a second meeting with the Senate conferees and the three from our side came back to report on our progress to the Speaker. We told him that we had won a few more points and prevailed on several House positions. He suddenly asked: "Where did you meet?"

"Well," we said, "we went back over to the Senate again."

"No! No! No!" he yelled, banging his fist on the desk. "You can't give 'em even one inch. You have to meet over there every other time!"

Yes, he had a reputation for gruffness -- but the truth is, he had a soft heart and he was fair.

Indeed, Tom Murphy possessed a complex mixture of character and personality.

He led this House with the humility and wisdom of Harry Truman accompanied by the fiery courage of Teddy Roosevelt

His leadership style incorporated the discipline of Dwight Eisenhower along with the compassion and vision of Franklin Roosevelt.

But in the end, he was Tom Murphy and few will ever stand in comparison to him.

So we offer in death the honor, love and respect that is due this "Man for All Georgians." This man whose life has come to define and epitomize the words: "Mr. Speaker."

Would you please stand with me.

Our heavenly Father, in our hour of loss and sadness, we ask your spirit to console those who grieve most -- Mike, Martha, Lynn and Mary and their families.

And as you welcome him home, please also ease the pain of those gathered here today, and all the friends he loved so dearly.

We pray finally that his legacy of service will forever remain an example and an inspiration to all who serve in public office.

We ask you to bless this House, O Lord, and this, our great state."