Terry Murphy

Terrence Patrick Murphy

Terry Murphy, age 75, of Meridian, Idaho, went to heaven peacefully on May 18, 2026, at 6:15 AM.

Terrence (Terry) Patrick Murphy was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1951, in Dearborn, Michigan, the third of five children of Thomas (Pat) Patrick Murphy and Mary Jane (Gordon) Murphy.

At the age of 2, Terry’s family moved to Southern California where he would continue to grow up and begin a life. He was a child actor, performing in many theater productions as well as commercials. He also loved music and would play guitar and sing with his siblings and friends in their bands.

At the age of 17, Terry met Carol Smith on a blind date, and they both fell in love immediately. They were married on August 29, 1970. In March of 1974, Terry joined the Los Angeles Police Academy which was the beginning of a 26 year career as a police officer. That same year, Terry and Carol bought their first home and welcomed their first baby, Jenny.

As a family, they enjoyed camping and waterskiing with friends and other policemen and their families, a tradition that would continue throughout their lives. Their family continued to grow with the addition of another baby girl, Annie in 1977, their first and only boy, Thomas in 1979, and their last little girl, Katie, in 1982. Terry loved his wife and children so much that he worked extra side jobs so that they could purchase a new home, put in a large spa in the backyard, and enjoy camping in their motorhome and waterskiing with their ski boat. He took Carol on a few cruises and trips to Hawaii, always in love, always celebrating their marriage.

Terry built his children a playhouse, a tree house, and eventually their own home in the country. He always worked extra hard so that his family could take trips together, Christmas would be extra wonderful, his children could experience having horses and other farm animals. He was always so generous, not just to his family but to everyone. Through the years, he was an Awana leader, and an elder at church. He taught marriage and parenting Bible Studies, took his family on lots of adventures, and read Bible stories to his kids, tucked them in bed, and prayed with them. When Carol would teach Lamaze classes in the evening, Terry would play hide-and-go-seek in the dark with flashlights with his children, a memory they all hold fondly. He wanted to be a good dad, and he became an amazing dad and husband.

After retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department as a detective, Terry and Carol retired and moved to Idaho, their lifelong dream. It was here that Terry began his Private Investigation company that he would grow and run for the next two decades. He became the top P.I. in Idaho because of his incredible investigative skills and his unmatched work ethic. Being a P.I. gave him the flexibility to go on many trips and adventures with his beloved wife, Carol. They traveled all over, including a trip around the United States. Traveling together in their R.V. was a great joy for both of them.

Life wasn’t always perfect… Katie was born with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Terry jumped right in, helping and being supportive, the way he always was with the kids. A few years later, he suffered a broken back that went ignored by workers compensation doctors causing years of suffering. Two cancer diagnoses in Idaho were overwhelming and scary, but Terry never gave up and pressed on to fight it, and won. Those were difficult years.

Every time his wife and children experienced difficulties in life, he was there to help them, support them, and offer encouragement, and wisdom. People always came to him for advice, and he was always willing to sit down and talk when someone needed to. He was generous, not just financially, but with his time, his love, his friendship, and his wisdom. He would always give you something from his garden, lend a helping hand, and give you a hug.

Terry became a grandpa to seven wonderful grandchildren. He was the kind of grandpa that snuggled babies, played on the floor with the little ones, and spoiled the big kids every chance he got. He loved being a grandpa and his grandchildren gave him so much joy. Terry and Carol were married for 55 1/2 wonderful years, enjoying traveling in their RV, and hosting family dinners with all of their children and grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Terry, knew that he loved Jesus as his Savior. He faithfully put his trust in Jesus and relied on God for strength. Because of his faith, Terry is in heaven now where there is no pain, no tears, and no suffering, only joy and perfect love.

Terry, in his later years, said that he wanted to be remembered by these words: “He walked with God.” Without a doubt, he walked with God. It was evidenced by his life, the way he trusted God through suffering, his commitment to serve, and pray, how he studied God’s word so that he could live his life for God, and how he told so many about how Jesus loves them.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter Jenny (Steve); daughter Annie (James); son Thomas (Nicole); daughter Katie (Elias); his grandchildren Jon, Emilee, Fiona, Nathan, Isaiah, Weston, and Ezra; his brothers and sisters; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces.His family extends their gratitude to Terry’s doctors for their faithful care over the decades.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 at 11 AM held at Central Valley Church in Meridian, Idaho. Lunch Reception following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to GreatGraceMinistries.org (Terry’s daughter, Katie and her family’s mission organization and his favorite charity) or to a charity of your choice.