Mark Murray, Jr.



Mark L. Murray, Jr, 88, 19 Old Chunns Cove Rd, died Sunday, November 20, 2011.

With heavy hearts, but lifted spirits, we recognize the peaceful transition from his earthly home to heaven of  Mark Murray, Jr. A loving husband, father, brother and educator has gone on to be with our Heavenly Father. He has left a positive impact on all those who knew him, through years of service to Asheville City Schools (ACS) as an educator and leader.

Born Nov. 5, 1923 in Burlington, NC to Mark and Ressie Oliver Murray, Mark graduated from Jordan Sellers High School and was later drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent three years in World War II in the European Theater (Normandy and Northern France) and South Pacific. Upon an honorable discharge from the Army, he attended Winston-Salem Teacher’s College (Winston Salem State University) where he was a member of the football and tennis teams, graduating with degrees in Elementary Education and Physical Education, with further studies at North Carolina A&T State University. A special honor that he was especially proud of was his appointment as an honorary admissions counselor for the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

After working 10 years in elementary settings in Burlington NC, Mark moved to Asheville, NC continuing his education career at Hill Street School. He married Madge Smith, who raised their physical children as well as the many children they taught, to respect those in authority, work accordingly to ability and have God in their lives. He worked in many capacities in the school system, being most remembered for his roles as Dean of Boys at David Millard and Asheville High, and Assistant Principal at Hall Fletcher. After 36 years of service in Asheville City Schools,  he retired but his abundant energy and drive brought him out of retirement to the Asheville Housing Authority were he spent four years.

Mark was a faithful member of Calvary Presbyterian Church USA for many years, serving on the Elder Session and Usher boards. Always one to joke and smile, his presence was always felt in the church, if not his booming voice, it was his immaculate style.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Murray; sisters, Doretha and Maydell Murray. 

Mark leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years, Madge Smith Murray of the home; children, Marcia Bacoate (Matthew) of Asheville and Mark Murray III (Jill) of Edina, MN; daughters from previous marriage, Nickie Roberson of Peoria, Il and Vida Murray of Louisville, KY; his special grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Mychal Bacoate, Matthew Bacoate IV, and Maya Bacoate,  all of Asheville; Mark Murray IV and Noelle Murray of Edina, MN; loving sisters, Marie Thomas of New York City and Corrine (Rich) Lyons of Greensboro, NC; devoted nieces Ressie Cole of Greensboro, NC and Ernestine Thomas of New York City; a host of relatives, friends, former students and co-workers that constantly over the years expressed love and gratitude for his tough, but loving and often life-changing discipline.

The family will receive friends 7-8 p.m., Wednesday at Ray & Allen Funeral Service. The home-going service will be 11:30 a.m., Friday at Calvary Presbyterian Church USA with Rev. Patricia Bacon and Rev. Ronald Botsford officiating. Interment will be 12 p.m., Monday, WC State Veterans Cemetery.

 


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Aunt Barbara, Marian, Denise & Patricia ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ): Sincere Condolences

We extend our sympathy to the family on the home going of Mark Murray, Jr. Although he will be missed from this earthly home, keep your memories of him close in your heart. Trust that he will be comforted in the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With love and sympathy, The Durham Family

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Tom Cole ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ): Mark Murray

I was so sorry to learn of Mark's passing. He was a friend and mentor to me as a new teacher at David Millard Jr. High. He always had a smile and good advise for me while exhibiting professionalism and dignity every day.

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Andra Fischbach ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ): Mrs.

I am so sorry to see that Mark passed away. I have such fond memories of working with Mark at Hall Fletcher Middle School. His sense of humor still will bring a chuckle to me when I think of something he said or did. He always supported me and was a wonderful mentor. I know that he will be missed.

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Ken Brandon ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ): Mr.

Madge, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband Mark. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Ken Brandon

Thursday, 24 November 2011

Jerry Leath ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ): Mr.

Dear Mrs. Murray, I am sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Murray. He was my 7th grade teacher at Elon Elementary School in Elon College, NC. Mr. Murray was not only our teacher, he also coached the baseball team where he had to teach fundamentals to a group of farm boys who could do okay in pickup games but lacked some basic skills in a league setting. I will never forget the time he gave us a pep talk while driving to Mebane, NC to play a much stronger team. We did not win the game but his emphasis on believing in yourself helped us to keep the game closer than in previous years. May God continue to bless you and your family during these difficult times. Take care, Jerry Leath Atlanta, GA

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

 

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