Tommy Murrell

Tommy Murrell obituary, Albemarle, NC

Tommy Murrell

Tommy Murrell Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Edwards Funeral Home - Norwood on Dec. 19, 2025.
Harry Thomas Murrell Jr. 'Tommy', 85, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood and interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Tommy was born on April 25, 1940 in Moore County to the late Harry Thomas Sr. and Juanita Beck Murrell. He was a 1958 Albemarle High School graduate and was a dominant member of the 1957 AHS Football State Championship Team. After high school, Tommy attended UNC Chapel Hill and graduated with a Pharmacy Degree. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life in 1960, Judy Efird Murrell. He then began working with his father and continued his legacy and became owner and operator of Murrells Pharmacy . After retirement, Tommy continued his passion and worked at many other local pharmacies where loyal customers remember him today. Tommy was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Albemarle, where he taught Sunday School, served as a Deacon, and was active with the Men's Breakfast.

Tommy, aka 'PawPaw,' was a true Patriarch. His love and dedication to his family was unmatched and he always let them know how much he cared. He instilled the importance of family, love, and laughter. There was never a time spent with PawPaw without feeling loved and always leaving with a smile.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Jane Murrell Pickler.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Judy Efird Murrell; two daughters: Connie Murrell Howard (Jeff) of Norwood, and Cynthia Murrell Milligan (Dave) of Lexington; four grandchildren: Janna Brown (Jamin) of Norwood, Derek Lambert (Hallie) of Norwood, Brett Milligan of Lexington, and Sydney Milligan of Lexington; and six great-grandchildren: Layla, Maverick, and Phoebe Brown, and Lillie, Ollie, and Wylie Lambert, all of Norwood.

The family would like to thank Rick Burris, Emily Mack, and Tillery Compassionate Care for their love, kindness, and empathy during their time with us.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tommy Murrell, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Tommy's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Tommy Murrell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Tommy Murrell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?