Buck Murphy, 64; Helped Addicts Cope

Thomas Clayton “Buck” Murphy, founder of the Christians With Addictions men’s group in Orange County, died Saturday at his Irvine home of a massive heart attack after taking his weekly walk with people from his recovery group, his wife said. He was 64.

More than 300 people attended Murphy’s funeral Thursday at Mariners Church in Irvine, where Christians With Addictions has met every Friday night since Murphy organized the group in 1993. More than 70 people attend the weekly meeting for support and to swap stories about their struggle for sobriety. Murphy hadn’t led the group for several years.

“He truly walked the walk as a Christian,” said Rocky Whan of Laguna Beach, who battled alcohol addiction with Murphy’s help. “He was lifting people up at all times.”

Murphy, born in Los Angeles, was a 1954 graduate of Long Beach Wilson High School, where he met Nancy, his wife of 42 years.

“Buck’s legacy is how unconditionally he loved everyone,” said Nancy Murphy. “There were no strings attached. He was always there if anyone needed him.”

Besides his dedication to the men’s ministry, Murphy was an entrepreneur and a 1961 founding investor in the Penny-Saver, an advertising paper. Most recently, Murphy sold an apparel business in Costa Mesa and was a marketing consultant for an Internet company.

A recovering drug addict who spent time in prison on a drug-related charge, Murphy advocated a disciplined and sober lifestyle to the men who came to his recovery group. He exercised regularly, ate well and took vitamins, his wife said.

In addition to his wife, Murphy is survived by his mother, Polly Murphy of Carpinteria; son Shawn Murphy of Kauai, Hawaii; daughter Erin Murphy Smith of Encinitas; a brother, Bob Murphy of Channel Islands Harbor; and three grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be sent to Hume Lake Christian Camps, 5545 E. Hedges, Fresno, CA 93727 or to Yes Ministries, P.O. Box 2280, Orange, CA 92669.