Dr. John Nelson Murray

John Nelson Murray, 87, of Timonium, Maryland, passed away on March 6, 2024. John is survived by his partner in crime, favorite debate partner, and wife of 65 years, Stephany Satterfield Murray. He also leaves behind his children (who inherited his dry sense of humor but disappointed him greatly in their ambivalence to the game of golf): Stephen (& Pamela) Murray of Jarrettsville, MD, Justine Murray of Charlotte, NC, and Alycia (& Michael) McGoldrick of North Reading, MA.

He was adored by his seven grand-children (who also seemed incapable of comprehending the joys of golf): Lindsey (& Paul) Loiacono, Samantha McGoldrick, Alira (& Kathryn) McMurray, Nicholas Murray, Leah McGoldrick, Stephany Murray-Gramlich, and Robert Murray-Gramlich. John was pre-deceased by his parents and step-parents: Alice K. (& Harold) Bahr, and Nelson C. (& Helen) Murray.

John was an only child born in Toledo, Ohio on September 18, 1936. He studied chemistry and played in jazz clubs at Northwestern University where he met Stephany after his graduation in 1956. He worked as an Electro-chemist for United Oil Products, Allis Chalmers, and Teledyne, Inc. For his mid-life crisis, He completed his PhD in Corrosion Engineering from Johns Hopkins University later in life and finished out his career “studying rust” for the U.S. Navy. He held many patents, including one for the fuel cells aboard a Viking rocket. His family was incredibly proud of his accomplishments, although never really understood what he actually did at work.

John was an avid runner, completing many marathons before hanging up his running shoes due to chronic hip pain. He had numerous other hobbies, including: playing golf, tennis, and duplicate bridge; doing yard work; traveling; working on his tan; attending Center Stage and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with friends; reading; assembling jigsaw puzzles; gathering/collecting golf balls and jazz records, and researching his family history (which he forced upon his children through fun summer vacations to graveyards). He had many fun life stories which we have been forbidden from sharing here.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 10am to 11am at which time Dr. Murray’s life will be celebrated at 11am.

Interment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens (overlooking the 17th hole).

Please, no flowers, instead feel free to donate to the Dementia Society of America.