John Murray Lynch Jr.

John Murray Lynch Jr.:
1936-2020

John Murray Lynch Jr. Age 84, passed away April 21, 2020.  Survived by wife Rosalyne “Sissy” McCabe Lynch, sons John Murray (Brenda), Michael (Erin), Thomas (Lindsey), daughter Janice, and sister Carol Moss (Perry), (9) grandchildren, (2) great-grandchildren, (8) nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father John Murray Sr, mother Margueritte, and brother James Nicholas “Nicky”.

The most important decision Murray made in his life was to ask the future love of his life, Rosalyne McCabe, on a date in 1954.  Murray and Sissy dated all through high school and college and were married on June 6th, 1959.  They celebrated 61 years of marriage this past June.

Murray graduated from Holy Name grade school where his love for sports began.  He graduated from Father Ryan High School in 1955 where he was the captain of the basketball team, and excelled in baseball, and football.  He earned a basketball scholarship to St. Bernard College in Cullman Alabama and graduated in 1959.  Murray also played varsity tennis at St. Bernard and was named captain of both basketball and tennis teams.  He continued his studies at Peabody College in Nashville where he earned his master’s degree.

In the summer of 1960, Murray began working at Father Ryan High School where he was the assistant football and basketball coach and taught economics.  Taking over the head basketball coaching duties in 1968, he led the Irish to the State Final Four in 1974 before stepping down in 1976.  He continued coaching football through the 1985 season.  In 1969 he took over as the Assistant Principal and Disciplinary Dean.  He continued in this position until his retirement in 1998.  One of his retirement gifts from the school was a golf cart for Murray and Sissy to use at their lake home on the Tennessee River, and it is still running!

In his retirement, he loved doing anything at the lake, especially boating, tubing grandkids, sunset tours, and fishing.  Fishing and/or telling fishing stories was his passion.  A one-pound bass would turn into a three-pound bass in a matter of hours.   Nicky, Murray’s brother, was one of those fishing buddies who would always be by his side at the lake.  Family and friends often visited, and they heard many stories Murray and Nicky would tell.  It was hard to tell the real stories from the ones they made up.

Murray was capable of fixing anything that was broken if he had duct tape and wire.  He loved sharing his homemade gifts with guests of the lake house, telling stories about the gift, and presenting it in a ceremony to them.  The shell necklaces he made for guests was his favorite.  The shell had two purposes, 1) to protect you from sharks in the ocean, 2) to keep you safe and healthy.

He was also known as the “Sheriff” of Wayberry, the lake subdivision where he lived.  He was “unofficially” in charge of everyone who entered the “holler” and checked out every vehicle and passenger who he did not know.  The great thing about Murray is that the stranger who he just met, usually became a friend for life!

Murray was also “in charge” of every construction project or house built in the neighborhood at the lake.  He wore many construction hats over the last 24 years at the lake; the foreman, general contractor, quality control officer and of course final inspector.  Like his whole life, he was always willing to help his neighbors with any project they were doing.

Murry loved life, family, and friends.  He will be missed, but his stories will live on.

In Lieu of flowers: Cards to Sissy can be sent to 107 Pinehurst Dr. Franklin, TN 37069. At this time, we cannot accept flowers or plants.  If you wish, a contribution to St. Henry School, St. Matthew School, St. Cecilia Academy, or Father Ryan High School’s tuition assistance fund in Murray Lynch’s name would be appreciated.  Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

The Celebration of Life for Murray Lynch (John Murray Lynch, Jr.) will take place April 24, 2021 at St. Henry Catholic Church at 11:00am with Visitation preceding from 9a.m. to 11a.m. St. Henry Catholic Church is located at 6401 Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37205. There will be no graveside service. In Lieu of Flowers a donation may be made to the Father Ryan Tuition Assistance Fund.  The address to Father Ryan High School is 700 Norwood Dr. Nashville, TN 37204.  A link to view the celebration of life live stream can be found at https://vimeo.com/event/274893

Tennessee Cremation Care is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Lynch's cremation service. Please visit his tribute wall to leave an online message for the family.