Christopher W. Murray
Chris Murray, beloved son, brother, and friend passed away at Camp Shenandoah on Friday, August 7, 2009, in Swoope, Virginia. He was 20 years old.
Chris was born on January 17, 1989, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He moved with his family to Charlottesville in 1995. He graduated from Hollymead Elementary in 2000, Sutherland Middle School in 2003, Albemarle High School in 2007 and received an Associate of Science Degree with a major in Education from Piedmont Virginia Community College in 2009.
Chris was a lifelong Boy Scout and became an Eagle Scout in January of 2007. He became an adult leader for Boy Scout Troup III and was a counselor at Camp Shenandoah for many years. He won the state championship in Impromptu Speaking at the 2007 Virginia State Forensic competition. He continued assisting the Albemarle High School Forensic team for two years after his graduation.
Chris was very involved in the Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church as a lector, religious education teacher, and as an assistant with the Children's Liturgy. Chris was accepted at Longwood University as a transfer student and would have begun studies this fall.
Chris was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Richard Murray and Paul Williams; and very dear friends, Bud Berger, Phil Slagle and Skip Wootten.
He is survived by his parents, Ann and Bill Murray; his sister, Mary and her husband, Josh Rager, of Jacksonville, North Carolina; grandmothers, Anna May Williams of Richmond, Virginia and Jeanette Carrington Murray of The Villages, Florida; aunt Linda Murray-Kimball and her husband, Doug Kimball, of Mechanicsville, Maryland; uncle, PJ Williams of Richmond, Virginia; uncle, John Murray and his wife, Lorri Murray, of Linden, Virginia; numerous loving cousins and lifelong friend, Joe Frazier of Charlottesville.
Chris was a dedicated young man, always serving others. He loved the outdoor life, scouting, and working with children. He had intended to go into education and become a history teacher. With his wry sense of humor and caring nature, he made a deep impression on everyone he met. Chris left us too soon for his full potential to be realized.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2009, at the Ryan Funeral Home, 12819 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, Virginia.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2009, at the Shepherd of the Hills Catholic Church, 6562 Amicus Road, Ruckersville, Virginia, with Father Alex Credo presiding. A private graveside service will follow at a later date.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, any desired memorial contributions be made to Stonewall Jackson Area Council Memorial/ Tribute Fund (Camp Shenandoah), 801 Hopeman Parkway, P.O. Box 813, Waynesboro, Virginia 22980.
Ryan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
