John Gibson Murray

John Gibson Murray, Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, died March 28, 2018 at Carolinas Medical Center.  He was 65.

The eldest son of the late John Gibson “Speck” Murray and Anne Ray Murray, John was born January 10, 1953 in Franklin, North Carolina.  An Eagle Scout, he graduated from Franklin High School, from Wingate College, and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Coming to Charlotte in 1975, he began a long, dedicated, and fruitful career with WBTV that would run until 2015, when he retired as director of the morning news program after 39 years with the company.  On April 14, 1979, he married the love of his life, the former Julia Lawrimore of Georgetown, South Carolina.

Always a woodworker, gardener, hobbyist, and cheerful helper to friends and family, John continued active involvement with the Piedmont Garden Railroad Club and the Speedway Harley Davidson Club in retirement, while taking up a new hobby – seeing America with Julia in their recreational vehicle. 

Preceded in death by his parents, John is survived by his wife, Julia Lawrimore Murray of Charlotte; a brother, David R. Murray (Jan) of Charlotte; a sister, Pattie M. Ramsaur (David) of Lumberton; a niece, Kristin Hollingsworth (Jeff) of Winston-Salem; a nephew, Johnson Ramsaur of Boston, MA; a niece, Elizabeth Ramsaur of Salisbury; a devoted cousin, Crossley E. Willis, III, of Birmingham, AL; an aunt, Glenda P. Murray, of Apex; and other special cousins and in-laws, all of whom he treasured.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 3:00pm at Woodlawn Cemetery with Reverend Tommy Fouts officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Heart Association, 128 South Tryon Street, #1588, Charlotte, NC 28202, or to a charity of one’s choice.  Online memorials may be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.  Bryant Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Murray Family.

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