Earnest Bruce "Ernie" Murphy

Earnest "Ernie" Bruce Murphy – Age 80, passed away on October 24, 2025 and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven to begin a joyous reunion with family and friends who have been awaiting his arrival. Let the celebration begin.
"Everybody Loves Ernie" a common statement by those who had the privilege to know him.
After graduation from Powell High School, he served in the United States Navy. Afterwards, he went to work for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, then to K-25 and finally Y-12. Upon retirement, he went on to build cabins in the Smokies. He loved working with stain glass. He worked to restore the Airplane Filling Station on Clinton Hwy. and was a longtime volunteer with the Knox County Museum of Education. Ernie was always researching family genealogy, fascinated with covered bridges and always looked forward to "Tuesday Golf" with many longtime "buddies." Finally, he loved his afternoon coffee and BIG bowl of ice cream. He will be sadly missed.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Grace Murphy; sister, Kay Murphy; brother, Johnny Murphy and countless other family and friends.
He is survived by his special friends for nearly 80 years, Joe and Gloria Nelson; cousins but same as brothers, Gary Dawn (Shiela), Christopher Dawn and Steve (Kathy) Dawn; niece, Angie Tapp; nephew, Jared; as well as many other friends and loved ones he thought so much about. There is not enough ink to list them all.
A Call At Convenience will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Bridges Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet at 12:45 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery for a 1:00 PM Graveside Service, with Pastor Jeff Hancock officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ernie's honor to his adopted church, Chestnut Grove Community Church, c/o Cenia Lamb, 635 Chestnut Grove Rd., Dandridge, TN 37725
Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37924. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com