Thomas Murphy McCracken

In Loving Memory

Thomas Murphy McCracken

May 3, 1993 – May 14, 2025

Thomas Murphy McCracken, 32, of Hopkins, SC passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2025, in Hopkins, SC. Murphy is survived by his mother, Tiffany Norton; his father, Carol McCracken, Jr. (Sherri); his one and only favorite sister, Alex Earnhart (Ronnie) and nephews, Blaine and Jay; his significant other, Erin Gehringer, their loved son, Thomas Maddox McCracken; as well as his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Murphy was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Carol McCracken, Sr. and his Uncle Buddy, Thomas Murphy McCracken, Jr.

Murphy, or Murph, as he was affectionately called, was born May 3, 1993. When Murphy was only 10, he went hunting with his dad and Murphy got his first deer. He was hooked! That is, until girls caught his attention. Murphy loved fishing and exploring the woods from the time he was born. He continued that as an adult with his family. Congaree National Park was one of Murphy’s favorite places to visit. He was often there with his son and nephew exploring (off the boardwalk of course!). They enjoyed climbing trees and watching turtles together. Those who knew Murphy knew he was a quiet and reserved man who could be found sitting in the large oak tree on the farm listening to nature or fishing the pond with family. He had just gotten back into hunting and enjoyed doing so with his brother-in-law. Murphy loved children and you’d always see him talking to and playing with them at family functions.

His son, Maddox, would like everyone to know that he loved doing so many things with his daddy that he couldn’t name just one and that he loved his daddy very much!

Murphy’s family will always remember his quiet ways and love for nature and know that it is in nature they will feel closest to him.

Thomas Murphy McCracken was laid to rest at Hopkins Presbyterian Church during a private family service.

Along the banks of the Congaree 

come and be with me 

by the tree with knobby knee. 

We’ll hear birds through the fog, 

see turtles on the log, 

and maybe catch gators sunning in the bog. 

Wait, come home with me! 

We'll climb the old oak tree 

and find peace just down the road from the Congaree.

Our heartfelt thanks to: Chaplain Clyde Waters of the Columbia Police Department for his kind assistance, Jay Kennedy of Trinity Church for officiating the service, Rob & Carla Schmidt for lovingly maintaining the church grounds and opening the church today, to our family and many friends who are loving us through this difficult time. And to Dunbar Funeral Home for taking care of the service. May God richly bless all of you as you have blessed us. Love, The McCracken family