Vincent Paul Murray

Vincent Paul Murray, of Charlotte, NC passed away on December 5th, eleven days before his 87th birthday. He was born in 1933 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Raymond and Charlotte Murray. Vince’s mother died when he was thirteen and his father was largely absent. He essentially raised himself and was proud of what he accomplished on his own. Likely, his childhood informed how he was as a father because he spent all of his time with his children.

He earned a business degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he played football and ran track. His fondest memories of college were during summer school where he achieved his best grades and enjoyed parties with the faculty and interesting classmates. He served his country as a specialist in the Army before venturing into the business world. In 1976, Vince started his own chemical company. He was ahead of his time because his company reclaimed used industrial solvents that he had purified and sold to companies to be used again. In his personal life, Vince was an avid gardener, painter, and furniture maker, generously sharing his home grown produce, beautiful paintings, and artful furniture with friends and family. He loved to fish and play cards with his family. Vince was not one to sit around. He always kept busy.

He and his wife of 57 years, Barbara Hope Murray, lived primarily in New Jersey (Elizabeth, Finderne, Martinsville, and Annandale) prior to moving to Charlotte NC. Vince will be remembered for his quick wit, storytelling ability, and sense of humor (which his wife did not always appreciate). Vince was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and is survived by their sons and daughters-in-law Paul and Julie Murray of St. Petersburg FL, Brion and Barbara Murray of San Diego CA; and Christopher and Stuart Murray of Charlotte NC; as well as grandchildren Cassie, Hope, Kyle, Jennifer, Will, and George.