Thomas Norwood Murray

Mr. Thomas Norwood Murray, 71, of Lizella, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Funeral services will be at Sardis-Heard Funeral Home, Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 3:00 pm with Brother Brad Blackmon officiating. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service.

Thomas was born in Waycross, Georgia to the late Ralph and Louise Murray. He graduated in 1972 from Ware County High School. In his early years, Thomas worked at a local nursery where his love of plants began. Soon after, he started a career of over 30 years with the Department of Corrections. In that time, he met his sweetheart, Edith. They married on Oct. 11th, 1998. Later in his life, Thomas was called to serve as Minister of Music at Stonecreek Baptist Church & Bethel Baptist Church. As a faithful Christian, Thomas was soon called to become pastor at Lanier Heights Baptist Church for 5 years.

He was a father of three and grandfather of six. Tom was a hard worker, a true handy man. There was never a job he wouldn’t tackle. He had a passion for cars, music, animals, and plants. When he entered the room, it was known. When he spoke, he was heard, and he had a great sense of humor. His love for his family and friends was abundant. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Saxon; and sister-in-law, Helen Jenkins.

Thomas is survived by his wife of nearly 26 years, Edith Murray; daughter, Amanda Newberry of Lizella, Georgia; sons, Derrick Murray (Laura) of Macon, Georgia;  son, Thomas Chadwick Murray (Stacie) of Valdosta, Georgia; grandchildren, Joel and Daisy Newberry of Lizella; Paisley Woodson and Mason Murray of Macon, Madelyne Murray and Trey Brown of Valdosta; brother, Tim Murray (Nell) of Raleigh, North Carolina; sisters-in-law, Connie Johnson (Jimmy) of Fayetteville, Georgia and Vivian Fuller (Durwood) of Centerville; and brothers-in-law, J.W. Jenkins and “Bee” Saxon.

Thank you to Tradition Hospice. Your love and comfort during this time was a blessing.

Sardis-Heard Funerals and Cremation Center, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, Georgia 31216 has charge of the arrangements.