Richard W. Murray, Jr.

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Richard Warren Murray, Jr., affectionately known as “Sonny,” was born to the late Richard Warren Murray, Sr., and Bernice Henrietta Murray on December 20, 1935. He received his childhood education from the Montgomery County public school system, graduating from Carver High School in 1953.

As a youth, “Sonny” was a hard worker and meticulous about everything he did, completing everything he started to perfection. He was also known as the “bicycle man” and rode his bike everywhere (often carrying his friends) and took care of his bike as if it was a new car. He loved working and was as dependable as a clock. One of his most entrusted jobs was making sure the lights were turned on and off at the campground baseball fields. “Sonny” was very dependable and always on time!

“Sonny” met his wife Glenda during their senior year of high school, just after enlisting in the United States Army. They met at the Boyd Maryland Annual Picnic and shared one weekend afternoon together. That Monday, “Sonny” made one call to her to ask if she would write him while in the service… and for three years they exchanged weekly letters. “Sonny” completed his tour of duty with an honorable discharge in 1957. Four months later they were married on November 16, 1957. From their union two children were born: Pamela and Tyrone. “Sonny” was a devoted husband and father, outstanding provider, and created an environment for his kids to have a joyous childhood. His motto was to always put family first and he raised his kids to always “strive to do your best in all that you do!”

“Sonny” truly believed in the “team” approach to life and that a family should worship, work, and play together. As a result, his family always attended church and church outings together. He established family chores for each day of the week while making sure we visited relatives (Murray’s, Sellman’s, and Taylor’s) on weekends. When Glenda attended evening classes to pursue her career in Computers & Data Processing, “Sonny” turned it into a family outing by dropping off Glenda and taking the kids for a hamburger at the Little Tavern two nights a week. There were a host of long-distance family vacations, holiday family dinners, birthday parties, just enjoying the family life. “Sonny” so enjoyed being a father.

“Sonny” was an easy-going man with a gentle smile and was always looking for opportunities to be a friend. He was employed at the National Institute of Health as a medical library technician, retiring after 42 years of service. He was also employed as a custodian with Beth Tikva Synagogue for over 30 years to generate a little extra cash for family fun and college tuition. “Sonny’s” warm personality coupled with his commitment to excellence in his work resulted in establishing co-workers and dear friends who treated him like family. They often said that “‘Sonny’s’ level of dedication is one to be admired and he always went far above and beyond what was required. He always enjoyed working with people and maintained a cheerful disposition.”

“Sonny” loved church and serving the LORD.  During his early childhood, he attended Emory Grove United Methodist Church. After marriage, he was a long-time member of Asbury United Methodist Church. There he served as an usher and sang with the Starlight Choir. “Sonny” was a servant-worker and wherever “Sonny” lived, he found a church home where he could serve God. They moved to Pineville, North Carolina in 2003, residing there for 17 years. “Sonny’s” final serving of ministry ended at Victory Christian Center in Pineville, North Carolina serving as a door greeter.

In October 2021, “Sonny” and Glenda moved to Senior Living at Anthology of Tuckahoe in Henrico, Virginia. On January 16, 2022, “Sonny” transitioned at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond, Virginia after a brief illness with Diabetes.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Warren Murray, Sr., and Bernice Henrietta Murray.

Memories of “Sonny” will be cherished by his beloved wife Glenda, children Pamela (Billy) and Tyrone (Wanda), grandchildren Ryan (Brittany), Nichole (David), Danielle (Kevin), and Justyn (Kimberly), great-grandchildren Alaya, Aubrielle, Leo, Owen, Lexi, Arielle, and Loriana, siblings Jean, Leroy (Mae), Elaine, and Marilyn (Dwight) and devoted family friend, Elsie Cason.

He is also survived by loving brother’s-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and a host of dear long-time friends.

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In Lieu of Flowers please make contributions in Memory of Richard Warren Murray Jr.

to the American Diabetes Association

American Diabetes Association | Research, Education, Advocacy

www.diabetes.org