Tom Murphy

[Nick Reed]

Just got word that Tom Murphy, founder of the Manasota Steel Guitar Club in Bradenton, Florida passed away this morning at 2:30am.

[Jack Stoner]

I too got the sad news today from Nick and from Blake Hawkins. Tom had been in poor health for some time. Last time I was at the Manasota club jam (last year) Tom was not there.

Here is a picture of Tom from a March 2005 Florida Steel Guitar Club Jam.

[Blake Hawkins]

We will all miss Tom. He has been active in playing steel, doing gigs, and promoting steel guitar most all of his life. He was proficient in Pedal Steel, Rhythm Guitar, Bass and Vocals.
I've known Tom for over 20 years. He was a good friend,
and an excellent musician. As well as a mentor.

[James Marlowe]

Man! That’s sad news. Tom was always very kind to me. Prayers for his family.

[Clyde Wiggins]

Tom and I have played music together for over 50 years. We have attended Blue Grass and Steel Guitar Festivals for 40 of those years.
We survived medical problems. We always supported each other in many ways. In other words, I considered him my best friend!
About 2 years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinsonism which is not full blown Parkinson’s disease.
Slowly he lost his strength and then his voice quality.
He was still able to take care of himself (cook, wash his cloths…) In the last couple months he has been confined to bed or a lift recliner chair.
Cindie (my wife) and I have been caring and helping him for the past two years.
As he got worse and required 24/7 care, his daughter
Vicki hired a Home Health Service to come in from 9-5. Leaving the rest of the day (16 hours) to Cindie , Vicki, and her husband (K C).
We were informed by the Home Health Nurse and the Hospice Nurse that he was in no pain.
It was his wish to stay at home and we honored his wish. Vicki called us about 3:00 this morning (Saturday) and told us he had passed around 2:30 AM. Cindie and I immediately went down to console her and stay until Tom was pronounced deceased by the Hospice Nurse and removed from his home by the National Cremation Service. His wish was to be cremated. At this time no service has been planned.

Clyde Wiggins

[Eddie Thomas]

This is sad news,Tom was a nice fellow and I always enjoyed seeing him, when I was playing or visiting friends in Bradenton, Fla. He will be missed. Condolences and prayers for the family.

[Don Sulesky]

Tom was our rhythm guitar player for the FSGC for many years.
We could always depend on him even though he traveled about 130 miles to the club jams each month.
I could see the last time he came to the jam with Clyde to listen he wasn't feeling well.
I'm so sorry to hear about his passing.
He was a good friend to all of us.
May the Lord take a liken to you Tom.

[Jack Dougherty]

Saddened to hear of Tom's passing...good soul all around gentleman....will be missed ...

[Jack Dougherty]

Saddened to hear of Tom's passing...good soul all around gentleman....will be missed ...

[Willis Vanderberg]

With tears in my eyes as I write this. Tom was so much to so many. He was not only an accomplished musician,he was a great friend to us musicians in Florida.
We spent many hours jamming on the side porch as he called it. He video recorded all our jams at the Manasota steel guitar club and send out a lot of CDs at his own expense
Along with Clyde I considered Tom my best friend.
Go rest high on that mountain Marine, we will miss you old Buddy.

[Charles Stange]

Tom was my step-dad. He gets all the credit with getting for getting me into steel guitar. Although we butted heads when I was a teenager, it was never over music.
Upon meeting new folks I was always introduced as his son and we always had a good laugh afterword when they inevitably said that; "he (your son) looks just like you"
We all miss him.