HR0960 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0960 LRB101 23440 MST 74722 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Timothy Leon "Murph" Murphy of West Frankfort, who passed away on December 23, 2020; and

WHEREAS, Tim Murphy was born to Leon "PeeWee" and Jean (Rankin) Murphy on July 31, 1948; and

WHEREAS, Tim Murphy was an amazing art teacher, volleyball coach, and teen town sponsor; and

WHEREAS, Tim Murphy was most known as the beloved founder of Candy Cane Lane, which he began more than 30 years ago; he delighted spectators from West Frankfort and all of Southern Illinois with his Christmas decorations and illuminations; his efforts were recognized when the national television program The Great Christmas Light Fight featured Candy Cane Lane in 2018; and

WHEREAS, After retiring from teaching and coaching, Tim Murphy loved working in his tropical oasis backyard and his beautiful garden; he made amazing stages for homecoming courts, proms, and graduations; he enjoyed attending Redbird sporting activities and eating out; he loved Disney and Coca-Cola, which were reflected in all of his paintings; and

WHEREAS, Tim Murphy was a kind, loving, and generous man; he was known for always putting 110% effort into everything he did and making lasting impressions on the hearts of many; and

WHEREAS, Tim Murphy was preceded in death by his parents and his half brother, Bill Murphy; and

WHEREAS, Tim Murphy is survived by his sister, Marilyn Murphy; his niece, Michelle (Nate) Shaffer; his aunt, Ramona (Charles) Anderson; his great-nephew and nieces, Evan, Ella, and Emme; his special friends, Keith Griffith, Cam Brown, Iris and Bobby Kohzadi, and Laela, Layton, and Hailey; and his many dear friends and cousins; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Timothy Leon "Murph" Murphy and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we celebrate the life and accomplishments of Tim Murphy, as well as the positive contributions he made to Southern Illinois and the community of West Frankfort; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Tim Murphy as an expression of our deepest sympathy.