David Phillips Murray

David “Ducky” Murray died peacefully in his sleep while in the hospital after a fall. He leaves behind 10 beloved nieces and nephews to carry on his legacy of faith, hope, love, curiosity, creativity, honesty, kindness, generosity, laughter, dependability, and being a friend to all.

His background consisted of newspaper, radio-television and photographic work. He attended Hugh Morson High School and worked at the News and Observer first as a copy boy, then photographer, and section editor. While a student at UNC, he played baseball for the Tar Heels and was a freelance photographer for Life, Time, and Sports Illustrated magazines. One of his pictures became the 1953 National Polio Poster, a precious picture of two young sisters who had polio. His time at UNC was interrupted by time in the Army, when he was assigned to Fort McPherson, Georgia. According to the Army records, Ducky “inspired” civilian and military photographers to keep learning and growing.

After graduating from UNC, Ducky worked as a reporter and a special features editor for the N&O, next as promotion and publicity manager for WTVD in Durham, before becoming the Raleigh manager for John Harden Associates, a public relations counseling firm. From 1969-1972, Ducky was chosen by Governor Bob Scott to be his assistant for special projects. Afterwards, Ducky continued working in photography and public relations for many years. He was a voracious reader and a whiz on the computer, even at 93.

Ducky lived in the home in which he was raised, taking care of his mother until she died in 1992. He loved visits and telephone conversations with his family. In our younger years, he enjoyed making us all laugh with his quick wit, yo-yo tricks and talking like Donald Duck. Our Uncle was truly unique.

Ducky was predeceased by his parents, Fannie and Edward Murray; and sisters and brothers, Anne Epperson (Charles), Mildred Peck (Walter), Edward Murray Jr (Rosa), William Murray (Lib) and Rebecca Murray.

He leaves behind his dachshund, Cassie, devoted companion of almost 17 years, as well as nieces and nephews and their families: Joy Evans, Judy Hayes (David), Susan Murray, Lillian Poole (Jim), Ann Moore, Edward Murray III, David O Murray, Richard Peck (Mary Lind), Anne Gibbons (James) and David Peck (Sandra).

A graveside service for David Murray was held on Saturday, September 23, 11am at Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh.