Richard "Dick" A. Murray

While we know Dick is now in a place of peace, we are devastated by our loss. Dick was born in Burlington, NC to Homer and Margaret Murray. There he met and married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Holt, with whom he shared 60 loving years of marriage.

Dick graduated from Elon College with a degree in Business Administration. He served in the U.S. Army to which he credits the foundation for his later success, rising to the rank of Captain, and extending his service in the active reserves as Company Commander of a basic training unit. Dick loved the military and considered making it a career at one time. He was very patriotic.

Dick began working at Burlington Industries at the age of 16 and returned after military service to build a 37 year career, rising to the position of Executive Vice President of Burlington Knitted Fabrics. After leaving Burlington Industries, he worked on a contractual basis to prepare and sell an operating business. He later accepted a position as President and COO with a garment manufacturer, building and managing three factories in Central America. Dicks final opportunity and the one closest to his heart was starting his own business with two partners, Marlie Crotts and Xavier Arguello; building 7 factories in Honduras and employing over 3,000 people, providing diverse products including dyed and finished hosiery, undergarments, children’s clothing, reconditioned electronics and Dixon pins. While in Honduras, Dick and his partners pursued humanitarian projects to improve housing conditions and water quality for the people of that country. He retired in 2011.

Dick leaves behind his wife, Brenda Murray; his son, Jason Murray and his wife Christy and son Mason; his sisters and their spouses - Linda and Buster Ingold, Devona and Phillip Lee; his favored nephews - Kevin Ingold, Jonathan Lee and Harrison Lee; and several cousins and many great friends whom he greatly cherished.

Devoted to his family and friends, he was always engaged and willing to listen or lend a hand. Dick never met a stranger. He connected with everyone he met on a personal level. To know him was to love him. Dick’s easy smile, his open manner and oft told stories will be remembered by all those who were lucky enough to know him. He touched many lives and will be missed by so many.

We want to extend our thanks to everyone in the Memory Care Unit at Brighton Gardens for the wonderful care and attention they gave Dick in the short time he was there.

The funeral service was held Thursday, April 11, at 2:30pm in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home. Entombment was held Friday, April 12, at Guilford Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bryan Family Disorders Research Fund. https://give.unc.edu. or (919) 537-3818

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