Arrangements for the Lying-in-State of Speaker Tom Murphy

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue, on behalf of the Murphy family, announced today the following arrangements for the lying-in-state ceremony of former Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives Thomas B. Murphy. Speaker Murphy will be the 22^nd person to lie in state at the Georgia State Capitol.

Friday, December 21, 2007

10:00 a.m.

The casket of Speaker Murphy arrives at the State Capitol. On behalf of the citizens of the state of Georgia, Governor and Mrs. Perdue receive the casket of Speaker Murphy.

An Honor Guard comprised of members of the Georgia State Patrol, accompanied by a bagpiper, bear Speaker Murphy’s casket through the west door and into the State Capitol.

Upon entry into the Capitol, the Honor Guard bears the casket up the South Wing steps to the center doors of the House of Representatives chamber on the third floor.

10:15 a.m.

The casket is brought into the chamber, where current and former House members participate in a ceremony. Current Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson and former Speaker Terry Coleman speak and ask members to join in a moment of silence for Speaker Murphy.

10:35 a.m.

The Honor Guard bears the casket from the House chamber and down the South Wing steps and through the South Entrance to the Rotunda. Current and former House members line both sides of the South Wing steps.

10:45 a.m.

Governor Perdue delivers a eulogy on behalf of the citizens of the State of Georgia.

Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson delivers a eulogy on behalf of the House of Representatives.

Former State Representative Bill Lee leads a prayer.

Governor and Mrs. Perdue lead state officials in paying respects at the casket, followed by the Speaker of the House leading current and former members of the House. Following the House, the President of the Senate leads current and former members of the Senate in paying their respects.

Approximately 12:00 p.m. (upon conclusion of Senate procession)

The Honorable Thomas B. Murphy, Speaker of the House of Representatives (1973-2003), officially lies in state in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. An Honor Guard of the Georgia State Patrol stands vigil.

The general public is permitted to pay respects. Citizens should enter through the West Door (Washington Street) of the Capitol and pass through security checkpoints.

Upon viewing the casket, mourners exit through the opposite side of the Rotunda and then exit the Capitol through the East Door (Capitol Avenue side). 

All members of the public who are handicapped should report to the ground level entrance of the Capitol on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, where ramps and elevators are available.

4:00 p.m.

The receiving line closes.  Those individuals in line at that time will be allowed to pay their respects.

The Honor Guard bears the casket of Speaker Murphy out the West Door of the Capitol to the awaiting motorcade.  The motorcade departs en route to Bremen, Georgia.

Executive Order

Whereas:    Thomas B. Murphy, Speaker of the House from 1973 – 2003, died on December 17, 2007, in Bremen, Georgia.

Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered:     That Speaker Thomas B. Murphy shall lie in state in the Rotunda of the State Capitol from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on December 21, 2007.

                         This 18th day of December, 2007.

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