Chief Jerry Vardaman Murphy

Retired Sweeny Police Chief Jerry Vardaman Murphy died Monday, Sept. 1, at age 84 after a brave battle against lung cancer. He was best known for serving the City of Sweeny for nearly three decades and for being a great husband, Dad and Papaw.

Murphy was preceded in death by his wife, longtime Sweeny teacher Faye Murphy, and they were married 62 years. While they spent most of their married life in Texas, they had deep roots and beloved family in Mississippi and Alabama as well. He was born in Carthage, Mississippi, on July 30, 1941.

Murphy was recognized through the years for his compassionate leadership, community building, mentoring of youth, and highly successful policing that made Sweeny and surrounding cities safer places to live. The State of Texas honored him for his exceptional emergency management plans and his involvement in a multi-agency, anti-drug task force.

He coached Little League teams, served as a Boy Scout leader, provided security for Sweeny ISD sporting events as a proud Sweeny Bulldogs supporter, and developed an effective program to help keep kids off drugs. He enjoyed league bowling, fishing, gardening, and time with his family.

A man of deep faith, Murphy demonstrated his values in every interaction in his professional and personal life. He was smart, kind and charming, and people across several counties still speak highly of Chief Murphy – more than two decades after his retirement.

Murphy was extremely proud of his three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Ric and Michelle Morris, Chris Murphy, Stephen and Shelly Murphy, Jon and Sara McPherson, Payton and Corinne Giacomarro, Jeff and Brittani Bruegel, Kaeden and Taylor Frankum, Asher McPherson, Caysen Bruegel, Stella Giacamarro, Olivia Giacomarro, Carsen Bruegel and Emersyn Frankum. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Tennie Murphy, and his sister Freda Murphy

Pallbearers will be Jeff Bruegel, Kaeden Frankum, Payton Giacomarro, Jon McPherson, Pat Murphy and Lonnie Truitt.

Relatives, Friends and members of the Law Enforcement Community are invited to his viewing on Saturday September 6th from 9-11 AM at C.T. Baker Funeral Home 634 S. Columbia Dr. West Columbia, TX. His funeral service will begin at 11AM with Rev. Ashley Isaccs officiating. Interment to follow at Sweeny Cemetery.

Chief Murphy will be greatly missed!

Condolences may be left at www.ctbakerfuneral.com