Thomas James Murray Sr.

Mr. Murray took over as publisher of The Green Book in 1985 after the death of his wife, Jean Shaw Murray, whose grandmother had started it in 1929. This venerable publication helps connect prominent Washingtonians, federal leaders, members of Congress, and the diplomatic corps. It is recognized as the definitive arbiter of social standing and etiquette in the nation’s capital and continues to be published by Peter Murray, Mr. Murray’s son.

Born March 26, 1924, in Jamestown, Rhode Island, Thomas Murray was the youngest of 11 children born to Scottish immigrants Daniel and Margaret Murray. In 1944, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. In 1945, he was serving on the USS Nevada when it was struck by a kamikaze attack of Okinawa. In later years he would describe the shock of viewing the gun battery that had been destroyed, killing several sailors.

During his 21-year Navy career, he served on the USS Johnston, USS Des Moines, and the USS Hale and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 1960, he was assigned to the Pentagon. After retiring from the Navy in 1964, Mr. Murray began a career as a financial planner, launching his own firm, Thomas Murray Associates, in 1978.

Mr. Murray served as president of the St. Andrews Society from 1997-1999. He also held leadership positions with the American Legion, the Knights of Malta, and the Wheaton-Kensington Rotary Club.

Mr. Murray was preceded in death by his wives Jean Shaw Murray and Evelyn A. Murray, his parents and 10 siblings. He is survived by his five children: Thomas J. Murray, Jr. (Carolyn) of Greensboro NC; Elizabeth “Cissy” Chwirut (Jim) of Milton DE; Margaret “Lynnie” Tierney, of Cary NC; John Murray (Frances) of Silver Spring MD; Peter Murray (Elaine) of Middletown MD; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Joseph Gawler’s Sons Funeral Home, 5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 on December 28, 2021, from 2:00-4:00 PM. A mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4900 Strathmore Ave, Garrett Park, MD 20896 on December 29, 2021, at 11:00 AM.

Due to pandemic concerns, we ask that all visitors be vaccinated and wear a mask. A reception is not planned at this time. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery is expected to take place next spring.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to The Rotary Foundation in his memory to www.rotary.org/give or The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collection Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693