John was born on November 1, 1944, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the oldest son of the late John Martin Murray and Alice Geneva (Smith) Murray. After spending time in New York, his family returned to West Virginia, where he grew up primarily in South Charleston and graduated from South Charleston High School. During his high school years, John practiced judo and was active in the Air Force Junior ROTC.
Following high school graduation, John joined the United States Air Force. His military service included being stationed in Thailand and representing his branch as a member of the Air Force Judo Team. Upon returning to civilian life, John met and married his beloved wife—his best friend of 54 years, Patricia (Eklund) Murray and raised their daughter, Sarah, in St. Albans, West Virginia. While balancing family life, John earned his degree in Environmental Sciences from West Virginia State College. He went on to dedicate years of service to the West Virginia Health Department before relocating to North Carolina. After spending time in Burlington working for Roche Biomedical Laboratories, John and Pat made what they considered the best move of their lives to Southport—a coastal community that perfectly combined his passion for fishing with his love of breathtaking sunrises. Outside of his time working at Lowe’s, John spent his free hours crafting custom fishing rods and heading out to fish. After retiring, he channeled that same creativity and passion into photography.
A person of deep faith, John saw the beauty in every aspect of life, whether he was out fishing on the pier or capturing early morning sunrise pictures at Kingsley Park. He never knew a stranger, had an open heart, and loved sharing his talents and gifts with everyone around him. If someone called needing help, John was always the first to show up.
That same faith was the cornerstone of his life and ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday School teacher, former Trustee, an active participant in Methodist Men, Kairos, Operation Brotherhood and of course pancake flipper for the Annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast!
John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard Murray. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Murray; his daughter, Sarah Murray; and cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Trinity UMC, 209 E. Nash St., Southport, NC 28461.
Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport
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