Michael John Murphy

Michael J. Murphy, "Mike," devoted husband of over 60-years, passed away on June 29, due to heart failure. Mike was a loving son, incredible father, cherished grandfather to two, welcoming uncle, and best friend to many. He worked hard his entire life, retiring three different times, but his favorite pastime was spreading his Irish-joy in a way that was truly "Mike." He was a mentor to friends, family, and even total strangers. Speaking with him left your heart full.

A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Mike began his career in the US Treasury Dept in 1962, as an IRS revenue agent in Milwaukee. In 1973, he was chosen for the Executive Selection and Development Program, and after completion was moved to Washington as the Asst. Dir. of International Operations. He was later promoted to Asst. to the Deputy Commissioner at the National Office; District Director in Des Moines, Iowa; District Director in Atlanta; and Regional Commissioner of the Mid-Atlantic Region in Philadelphia.

Mike graduated from Harvard University's Advanced Management Program in 1984. In 1987 he was appointed to the post of Sr. Deputy Commissioner, the highest-ranking career official in the Internal Revenue Service. Before retiring from the IRS in 1989, Mike had ultimate responsibility of their $6.1 billion budget and managed a workforce of 116,000 employees.

In 1989, Mike became the Executive Director of Tax Executives, Inc. And after retiring a second time, took a position with the tax law firm, Sutherland, Asbill, and Brennan. They helped him relocate to Atlanta, where he and his wife of 60-years, Lonnie settled in Dawsonville.

Mike is preceded in death by his father Patrick Murphy and his mother Marietta "Dot" Murphy. He is also preceded by his father-in-law Wallace "Babe" Lom, his mother-in-law Edna Lom (formerly Guerts), brother Patrick "Paddy" Murphy, his brother-in-law Gary "Big Garr" Brozek, and his sister-in-law Jeannie Murphy; all residents of Green Bay. And also, his sister-law-in Linda Weyenberg (formerly Lom) and brother-in-law Jerry Weyenberg; as well as his favorite great aunt, Mable Topley; and his beautiful grand-daughter Riley Anne Murphy.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Lonnie, his proud son Daniel J. Murphy, his devoted daughter-in-law Christine (formerly Kennedy), his loving grand-daughter Lauren Marie Murphy, and his namesake, grand-son Ryan Michael Murphy. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen "Min" Brozek, his brother Terry Murphy, and his sister Kathleen "Babe" Murphy. Mike was a proud uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, as well as countless life-long friends, extended family, and all his brothers in the Knights of Columbus.

To all who knew Mike Murphy, words cannot convey how much he will be missed. The Celebration of Life services will be Friday, July 15 from 4-8pm at McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Cumming, GA. There will be a funeral mass on Saturday, July 16 at 10:30am, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Dawsonville, GA. Followed by a reception at Chestatee, 270 Night Fire Dr. Both the prayer service and funeral mass will be broadcast virtually. Please check out the links below for more info. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Mike's name to the American Heart Assoc, or the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer.

McDonald & Son Funeral Home Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church

American Heart Assoc. Susan G. Komen Foundation