Therman Murphree, who served as mayor of the city of Cullman in the 1980s and 1990s, has passed away at the age of 94.

A lifelong native of Cullman County, Murphree was born May 26, 1930, at Holly Pond. On Friday, Oct. 11, Murphree passed away at his Holly Pond home. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 71 years, and sons, Dr. Steven T. Murphree (Alisa), Chris M. Murphree (Holly) and daughter, Nan Murphree Priest (Marlin).

Muprhree owned the Murphree’s Menswear store in Cullman, a destination for local men seeking to look their sharpest for business and formal occasions. He also enjoyed a successful insurance career with Liberty National Life and, later, as an independent agent, after honorably departing service in the U.S. Air Force.

Murphree’s participation in Cullman’s business community fostered his interest in shaping local politics, and in 1976, he ran for a won his first term as a member of the Cullman City Council. He would go on to earn the elected mayor’s position in the late 1980s, and served as mayor of Cullman from 1988 until 1992.

Current Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and the rest of the city’s elected leadership extended their condolences to the Murphree family on Monday.

“Therman was a well-known and much beloved citizen, business owner, and public official,” city leaders said in a statement posted to social media. “… He was held in high esteem by those with whom he came into contact throughout his life. He will be greatly missed, but his impact on out community will never be forgotten.”

Funeral services for Therman E. Murphree will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, at First Baptist Church of Holly Pond.