Lee Brening Murdy

Lee Murdy, age 78, passed into the arms of God on August 30, 2022, with family at his bedside. Lee was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1943 to William D. & Helene B. Murdy. His family moved to Houston – where he and his siblings grew up – and were members for Southminster Presbyterian Church. Active in the Boy Scouts of America from an early age, he earned his Eagle Scout Rank at age 15.

While attending Jesse H. Jones High School Lee played on both football and tennis teams, participated in Theatre and German Clubs, served as Senior Class Treasurer, maintained his 4-year membership in the National Honor Society, and accumulated many other awards and honors, including “Most Handsome” Sophomore.

After graduation, Lee attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas and was as a member of Alpha Psi Omega. Upon receiving his B.A. in Psychology, Lee continued his post-graduate studies at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, earning his PhD in Industrial Psychology in 1972.

He worked in various sectors during his career including Houston’s Oil & Gas and Computer & IT Industries, followed by teaching in Academia. Putting his PhD to work, he started with the Gold Russ-Gold King Oil Company, then with Phillips Petroleum Co. in their Training & Development department, and later as Compaq Computer Corp.’s Director of Training & Development, one of the company’s earliest management staff members.

He joined Houston Community College as their Director of Continuing Education, where he sought frequent opportunities to teach classes in both Personal and Business Organization. He was instrumental in HCC’s Course and Curricula development, one of which was explicitly designed to prepare the skill sets of single mothers bound for the workforce; and worked in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, HCC, and the MATCH Program to secure free transportation and daycare assistance for these students. In addition, when The Workforce Development Division of HCC issued a grant to build a Childcare Center for these students’ use, his collaboration on its design was essential down to the structural layout of the building.

Lee was a devoted scholar, husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. Although reserved, he never met a stranger and loved all animals with a passion. His hobbies included walking and fitness, creating artful metal sculptures, supporting the Arts, reading classic adventure stories, and woodworking.

Lee leaves behind to honor his memory his wife of 34 years, Stephany; brothers William F. Murdy and wife Mary, and John Murdy; sisters Paula Cutler and husband John, and Leslie M. Mills; daughter Kara Hilliard and husband Hank; two stepchildren Dan and Leslie Wilson; 5 grandchildren Henry, Grant, Leah & Charles Hilliard, and Evangeline Wilson; many nieces and nephews, and a network of family friends and neighbors.

Any donations in Lee’s name may be sent to Greyhound Pets of America/ GPA, 26214 Oak Ridge Drive, Spring, Tx 77380 or to the charity of your choice.

A visitation is scheduled for Lee on Friday, September 9, 2022 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Murdy family.