George Michael Murphy

With deep love and profound gratitude for a life beautifully and faithfully lived, the family of George Michael "Mike" Murphy announces his passing into eternal life on December 11th, 2025, surrounded by those who adored him.
A devoted husband, proud father, joyful grandfather, respected business owner, and beloved community leader, Mike leaves behind a legacy shaped by faith, humility, and a servant's heart. He believed in working hard, loving deeply, and serving generously. His Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life, lived daily through acts of kindness, honest leadership, and a steadfast commitment to serving others.
Born on August 12th, 1953, Mike was a lifelong resident of Bowling Green, Kentucky a 1976 graduate of Western Kentucky University with a degree in Civil Engineering. A fourth-generation builder, he became a distinguished leader whose career spanned more than four decades in construction and community service.
Through The Murphy Construction Group (Scott & Murphy, Scott, Murphy & Daniel, and Hartz Contracting), his leadership quite literally transformed the landscape of Bowling Green, KY. The buildings he constructed, the projects he championed, and the developments he shepherded have become lasting landmarks and physical testimonies to his work ethic, craftsmanship, and love for his community. He also helped secure extraordinary resources and transformative philanthropic support, believing deeply in creating opportunities, strengthening families, and building a better future for generations to come.
Mike's impact was not only structural, but deeply human. He mentored countless young leaders, supported local schools and nonprofits, and quietly stepped in time and again whenever someone was in need. His influence can be felt in classrooms, boardrooms, and living rooms throughout the community. He changed skylines, strengthened institutions, and helped shape the heartbeat of the town he loved.
Yet, his greatest achievements were found at home. He shared a beautiful marriage with Mickeye Morehead Murphy. He was a proud father to Nancye (Todd) Carter, Sarah (Neel) Ford, and Cole (Caitlin) Murphy, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. As a grandfather to Crews, Sutton, J.Mac, Wynn, Harper, Julia, Ellis & Wells, he delighted in every milestone, story, and hug. His family was his greatest joy and the legacy he cherished most.
He is preceded in death by, his parents John and Carlotta Murphy, his brother, John Joseph Murphy III. Besides his immediate family, he is survived by two sisters Margaret (Allen) Hilsmeier and Pam (Donald) Baldock; sister-in-law Shirlyn (John) Makar; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by, his parents John and Carlotta Murphy; his brother, John Joseph Murphy III; and in-laws Charles and Bernadine Morehead.
Mike embodied the words of Matthew 25:23: "Well done, good and faithful servant." He leaves behind a community forever changed by his generosity, his leadership, and his belief that one person, working faithfully, can make a difference.
Throughout his career, Mike served in numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors (2015), served with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Indiana/Kentucky, and held leadership positions with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of The Board (2001) and the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority (2002,2003). He also devoted more than 19 years of service to the St. Joseph Catholic School Board and generously supported countless civic and charitable initiatives.
His contributions were recognized with many honors, including Small Business Person of the Year from the BG Chamber of Commerce (1997), Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year (2010), induction into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame (2020) and the Bowling Green Hall of Fame (2007), the Herb Smith Lifetime Achievement Award (2020), and the University of Kentucky Civil Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award (2022).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on December 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until the Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Saturday, December 20, from 8:00-10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Mike's legacy by contributing to the Mike and Mickeye Murphy Community Fund, which will continue the work Mike was so passionate about strengthening our community through charitable giving and supporting causes that make a lasting impact. To make a gift, contact the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky at 270-904-2079 or mail to P.O. Box 737 Bowling Green KY 42102 or please visit: https://cfsky.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2254