Thomas Earl Murray

Upon graduating from Brazosport High School in 1956, Tom journeyed off to Texas A&M University. He left Texas A&M in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1960. He joined the U.S. Army Chemical Corps as a Chemical, Biological, and Radiological specialist and rose to the rank of Sergeant E5. He was stationed in Würzburg, Germany, and served until July 1963.

Soon after returning home, Tom began working for Shell Oil Company and advanced through the ranks to become an Associate Research Chemist. During his time at Shell, he wrote several textbooks and manuals, presented workshop papers at various conferences, and developed two patents that are still used industry wide. He was an active member of Clays and Clay Minerals Society. He also remained dedicated to his pursuit of knowledge, taking numerous geology, computer, and language courses in his spare time.

Tom retired from Shell in 1998 after 35 years of service and began what he laughingly called “retirement therapy” - traveling around the world to places such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, and, of course, returning to Texas A&M University. In December 2005, he graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Agricultural Development and his Aggie ring. In 2002, Tom moved from Richmond to Montgomery, Texas, where he was a member of First Baptist Church Conroe.

Tom was an extremely devoted father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, designing and crafting stained glass and fishing poles, spoiling his dogs, and attending Aggie football games.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Earl Murray of Lake Jackson, and infant son, Mark Thomas. He is survived by his son Steven Murray and wife, Rhonda, of Katy; daughter Stacey Dickey and husband, David, of Montgomery; grandchildren Darienne Dickey of Dallas, Dawson Dickey of Austin, Dillon Dickey of College Station, and Danielle Murray of Katy; step-grandson Tyler Rosser and wife, Tori, of Austin; and brother Reece W. Murray and wife, Kathleen, of Lake Jackson. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 2, 2018, at Forest Park The Woodlands. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2018, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands.

Please also plan on attending Aggie Muster on Saturday, April 21, 2018, to light a candle and answer “Here” for Tom. You can find your local Muster ceremony and directions at www.aggienetwork.com/muster.