Dear Murray Family,

I knew Tom my whole life as he and my daddy, Mel "Tex" Painter went to the Academy and served together. 

He was such a faithful friend to daddy his whole life, and especially whilst he was sick. I always loved you and your family. I knew in my heart that you had passed, but as we live in Italy (my Army husband serves the Navy) I could not be sure. 

That said for some strange reason I looked you up today. I'm so sorry for Kelly and Tom and their families. 

Praying for your soul sir. Fair winds and following seas.... Here's the last picture of you and Daddy before he passed in 2016.

Fondly, 
Emily Painter-Davis

We have sooooo  many wonderful memories to share dear cuz but I believe I can say you were indeed a happy happy fellow ….. my daddy just adored you and I know you cared for him so much. I loved being at your wedding to Kay in Austin ! And I know you and ‘little’Tom had a great time at my lake house in Maine. 
I do have question though….do you get your own private little sub in Heaven? I think your first mate aboard should be Aunt Ione. 
Say hi to all our relatives up THERE  and know I will never forget you or our fun times together.

My condolences to Tom’s family from my family.
I met Tom in Submarine Officer Training School in 1962 when we were both Ensigns and we became good friends.  Tom’s number 1 priority from the day I met him was to be the best submarine commanding officer ever, and a review of his memories posted here indicates he did that. We attended Nuclear Power School in Vallejo and went through prototype training in Idaho.  Our families kept in touch over the years.  After I left the Navy I would frequently go to DC on business and would look forward to visiting with him whenever Tom was stationed there. We did not visit in the last few years after we both retired as civilians, but periodically Tom would send out submarine information for my education which I looked forward to.  I wish him smooth sailing.
Karl Meyer


So sad to hear of his passing. He always took the time to talk to and inquire about  his crew’s family members. That meant a lot!

My condolences and prayers are offered for Tom and his family.  He was my first Commanding Officer on the USS Lapon. He took a green ensign (I was as green as they came.) and helped develop me into a better leader and person.  I recall one of his sayings to his wardroom was “when we work, we work hard and when we play, we play hard.”   He was a good and fair man.  It was a pleasure and honor serving under him. May his soul Rest In Peace!

Spent many hours on the bridge with Capt. Murray. We talked about many things, life, the pursuit of happiness and even UFO's ( after we had the strange lights follow us into Norfolk) Capt. Murray liked being on the bridge on the surface. Maybe because on the bridge we could be just two guys, not the Captain and crew member.

Rest your oar.

I served with Captain Murray on USS Nathan Hale (SSBN 623G).  He guided me through the Warrant Officer process and helped me make the transition to the officer corp.  We played tennis, broke bread and enjoyed our friendship. Later, as the SUBLANT QA officer I was able to ride Lapon with him in ‘79 as a guest.  I stayed at his home after I retired and our warm friendship continued by email when I moved South.  I am now 79 and have was blessed with his friendship for more than 50 years.
Godspeed my Friend,
Fred

I was on the Lapon from 78-82. The Lapon has 2 first sightings. Captain Murray took us where we weren't, photographed, trailed, and recorded the second unicorn, and got us home. We got ribbons and honors nobody knew about. Nobody has seen that unicorn in the wild since.

I met Capt Murray at my welcome aboard meeting in his state room on our way to the med  in 1980.  He handed this 19 year old kid a Lapon plaque and give me advice for handling my first  time at sea and submarine life. Having been married a year and standing in front of this larger then life Submarine Commander, he shared me ways to keep thinks in perspective while away.
I have the plaque hanging in my house along with other USS Lapon memories. Now at 60 years of age and been with my wife for 42 years we both offer our condolences to the family, friends and shipmates. I remember that meeting like was yesterday. He
allows stop by the SINS corner while I was on watch and ask me if I knew where we were. I would reply yes sir, he'd smile and walk away. I enjoyed talking to him at the Lapon reunions and I'm 
going to miss that.

Rest in Peace Capt Murray Rest in Peace.
ET1/SS Tony Liberatore


 

I reported onboard the USS Lapon (SSN 661) shortly before Captain Murray took command. I had a great tour on the Lapon and it was in large part due to his leadership. Always enjoyed seeing him at Lapon reunions over the years. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Captain. We have the watch.

I did not serve under Captain Murray on the USS Lapon, I had left the service poor to his command.   I met him at the Lapon reunions.  He was a gentleman and was very kind soul. I will miss  him at the reunions and the conversations we had.  Darald L Dykeman EM1(SS). Lapon 1966 to 1970

Tom Murray leaves a legacy that few can match, having achieved the rank of Captain in the United States Navy.  Tom received numerous military awards and commendations.   The fact that his submarine crew continued to hold renewals and honor Tom  shows how well he was held in high esteem by those who served with  him.  Serving in Turkey, Tom got to know and love the "Turks".  Tom developed lasting relationships with the Turkish Navy personnel in Turkey.   Upon reassignment to the States, Tom befriended many assigned to the Turkish Naval Attache Office in Washington, D.C.  He immediately began sponsoring and mentoring Turkish Naval Cadets (midshipmen) attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.  Tom saw them rise through the ranks in the Turkish Navy.  One was recently promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.  Tom went out of his way to support "his midshipmen" in every way possible.  His love for them knew no bounds.  His car license plate "ALBAY" translated means "Colonel", the Army rank equal to the Navy rank of Captain.  Even Turks who did not know Tom would see the license and wave and shout cheerful greetings to Tom, which pleased him to no end.  Tom, Dear Friend...  you will be greatly missed.  May You Rest in Peace.  

I served with CAPT Murray as a junior officer when he was CO on Lapon.  He was always a gentleman and a pleasure to work for.  I am sorry to hear about his passing.  He was a kind man and made our important work fun.  Rest In Peace!!

This man, Captain Murray, was an officer and a gentleman. His life was full and his interests varied. Soon after Karen and Tom were married, Tom was named the “official family photographer” - always at the ready with his camera.

Thank you for your service to our country and your contribution to keeping America safe. And… thank you Tom, for taking care of our sister, Karen… just like you promised me you would do. You made a difference in many people’s lives. Now you have finished your race and you ran it well. Cheer the rest of us on. 

Anchors away you dear man!
Shalom,
Susan


OBITUARY

Tom Reed Murray II

February 3, 1939 – September 12, 2020

Murphy Funeral Homes

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