Charles E Murray

Charles Edward Murray departed from this earthly life surrounded by loving family and entered his heavenly home on Friday, April 8, 2016. He was 88 years old. Born on March 24, 1928, in Denton, Maryland, to the late Linnie Satterfield Murray and Herman True Murray, Charles was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Charles graduated from Lockerman High School in Denton, Maryland, in 1946. He remained in touch with many of his classmates over the years and enjoyed being a part of the Lockerman School Alumni Association. From 1951 - 1953, Charles served his country as Army Private First Class (PFC) in the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge from active duty. For a decade, he worked at the Pet Milk Company in Greensboro, Maryland. Charles worked for 17 years, until he retired, at the Navy Ship Research Development Center in Annapolis, Maryland. Charles loved the Lord and often said the Lord loved him. He firmly believed that he was one of “God's miracles.“ He loved reading his prayer books and bible daily. Charles was an active member of New Beginnings United Methodist Church where he loved attending and being with his church family. He served on many boards and committees, and in different positions over the years. He was a Lay Leader on the Ridgely/Marydel Charge and a member of the Eastern District Board of Laity. He was also a member of The United Methodist Men. Charles loved gospel music. He would watch and record his favorite gospel singers on various shows and videos. In church, he was a member of the Combined Choir, Community Choir, and president of the Male Chorus. Charles participated in a number of organizations over the years, including the Prince Hall Masons Olive Branch Lodge #93, American Legion Mannie Scott Post 193, the NAACP, and the Lockerman School Alumni Association. Charles enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved when his church family and friends would call or visit to see how he was doing. Charles loved receiving cards and would display them at home as if they were awards. Whether visiting family in Ridgely, riding with friends to Dover, cruising the Caribbean with his wife, or doting on his grandchildren, he loved deeply and connected with people in a very special way. His smile and laughter were contagious and everyone he encountered could feel his warmth. Charles also enjoyed being outside and "playing in the dirt." He loved watching the birds, cutting his grass, and especially enjoyed gardening. Even more, he loved sharing his tomatoes, greens, and other vegetables with loved ones. Charles was preceded in death by brothers Thomas Groce, Herman Murray, Calvin Hutchins, Harry Hutchins, and Alex Hutchins; and sisters Lydia Satterfield, Bernice Nichols, Rachel Bryant, and Thelma (Babe) Murray. Charles leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 49 years Vernetta Green Murray ("Sweetie”); children Charles Pinkett, Charlotte Leeks, Gerald Pinkett, Gloria Kellum, Gilbrina Payne, David Payne, Donnie Payne (wife: Sara), and Carol Lambert; brothers Levi Murray, Samuel Murray (wife: Lillian), and Joseph Murray; sister Evelyn White; grandchildren Xavier Lambert, Cayla Lambert, Mary Leeks Pollard, Terez Jacobs, Sr., and Keena Lewis; great grandchildren Terez Jacobs, Jr., Tyreik Jacobs, Ebony Jackson, Kariah Jackson, John Lewis, Jr., Canin Lewis, Micah Lewis, Addis Pollard, and Eze Pollard; lifelong friends Virgil (Mack) Edwards, Weldon (Bubs) Green, Laurence Gould, and James Scott; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other dear friends who meant so much but are too numerous to list. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles E Murray, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Charles E Murray

March 24, 1928 - April 8, 2016