Obituary of John Claude Murray

John Murray, 74, of Summerville, South Carolina, went to be with the Lord, after a short illness, on Saturday, 25 February 2023.

John was born in Grey County, Texas on January 6th, 1949, to John Ivan Murray and the former Pearl Mae Kendrick. John spent most of his youth in San Diego County and graduated from Chula Vista High School. During this time he enjoyed participating in little league baseball, high school track, and wrestling g. After graduation in 1969, his family moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where he spent the remainder of his life. John was married four times. With his first wife, the former Roberta Jones they had a son, John Tony Murray. His second wife was the former Patricia Perdue and they were blessed with two daughters, Joyce Murray. Finally, the fourth time was the charm, when he married the former Shirley Busch in 1992 and they were together for over 30 years until his passing. Soon after arriving in South Carolina, he began his first career starting out as a stock clerk in the grocery store business, eventually rising to store manager for The Greater Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A & P to the common man) and Kroger’s for just over 15 years. After this, John transitioned into his final career as cab driver which he did for over 35 years until he retired in 2020. All who knew John appreciated the many anecdotes he experienced and shared over the years. If you can imagine your wildest experiences, John lived them. John’s hobbies included fishing, working around the house, and going on weekend getaways with Shirley. John loved to explore the backroads of the low country always looking for what was just over the horizon. He was a beautiful, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all those who encountered him. John was known as a kindhearted soul, always willing to be of assistance, to both strangers, close friends, and family.

John is survived by his wife, Shirley Murray of Summerville, SC., his children, Tony Murray of Macon, GA, Joyce Murray, Goose Creek, SC, and stepdaughter, Sandra Gowan, Moncks Corner, SC. His brother, Myron Hodge of Anderson Creek, NC. and sister Debra Slayton of Lake Linden, MI. John has four grandchildren and five great grandchildren who loved their “Popa John” and will miss him greatly.

John is predeceased by his parents, Wilson Hodge Sr. and the former Pearl Mae Kendrick, brothers, Henry Alan Hodge and Wilson (Billy) Hodge Jr.

The family of John Murray wish to thank you for your heartfelt support. We will miss John as he was an inspiration to all of us. Shirley will miss him dearly as will all who knew him. Your kind expressions of love and understanding have strengthened our faith, helped us accept the things we cannot change, and truly appreciate how much we will miss him. God Bless each of you!

A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 2, 2023 at noon at Simplicity Lowcountry, 281 Treeland Dr, Suite C Ladson SC.  The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service.