Mark Antonio Murray Sr.

Mark Antonio Murray, Sr, our “Tony”, was born August 22, 1965 and departed this life December 19, 2017 at home. He was the first born son to his parents, Deborah Murray-Dates and Arthur Baltimore. Tony shared his life together with Icy Bordley for 28 years. Tony spent his early years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his brother, David. They were close growing up and Tony always took his older brother role very seriously. Even through the ups and downs, Tony and David regarded their blood-brotherhood as essential. Tony graduated from Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County Maryland. Living in Baltimore was where he met many of his friends, better known as his “home boys”, who named him “Hungry” and “Dog” , as he would eat considerable amounts of food, yet maintained his slender physique throughout his life. He was “Tony Mark Murray” to his favorite girl cousin Vinnie, “Poppa Dock” to his Cambridge acquaintances, and the younger boys called him “Old Head” because he was totally gray, but, to their amazement, they would soon find out that “Tony Mark Murray” could hang with the best of the ‘youngins’! Among Tony’s favorite things to do, was being with family, especially with his grandkids (Icy) Tamera, Michaelen, Ta’NaJah, Paris and London. He could cook, (Icy cooked everyday) clean, iron and continued to watch the ‘old- school’ cartoons. Tony was a thinker, a conversationalist, and a very friendly, life-of-the-party, type of guy. In Tony’s baritone voice, he would strike up a hymn at anytime and anyplace, whether he was alone or not. He and “Unc” (Johnny), Aunt Esther, or his Mother would join in and add the harmonizing part of the song(s). Tony called himself a “Shoaling Kung Fu Warrior” as he proclaimed himself to be a self-taught warrior with self-made moves. He would often say, “Don’t touch, I do not invoke unless you provoke”. Tony’s love for reading began when he was growing up and when he was punished; his mother would send him to his room with only books to read. What started as punishment, became his love. Tony was an avid reader and read many books and novels all of his life. At any given time you could guarantee that he would have a book in his back pocket, under his arm, or in his hand; and he was usually reading several books or novels simultaneously. Tony will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Tony leaves to cherish his memory, two sons, Mark Jr. and Eric; three brothers, David, Sr., Arthur, Jr., and James; two sisters, Marcella and Adrienne; parents Deborah Murray-Dates (Michael), Arthur Baltimore; a loving soul-mate, Icy; one niece, Khadija; one nephew, David, Jr.; one great-niece, Kamille; two special friends, Ronette and Wanda; two special cousins, Vinnie and Keith and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; grand-parents, Bishops Samuel and Esther Murray and son Jonathan, at the age of 29 days, preceded him in death. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Antonio Murray Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Mark Antonio Murray Sr.

August 22, 1965 - December 19, 2017