Tommy Murrell

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. 

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