St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Deacon Reginald ‘Reggie’ Murray, 54
By Godfrey Lee
A Celebration of Life service was held for Reginald “Reggie” Murray on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Cornerstone Community Church in Marin City.
The community came and filled the church to celebrate the life of Murray, who many knew as a “humble servant of God.”
He died unexpectedly on Oct. 24 of natural causes, according to the funeral program.
Murray was born in San Francisco on Dec. 17, 1970, to Florence and James Murray, and was raised in Marin City, where he attended and was baptized at Peoples Inter-Cities Fellowship Church.
Murray attended Bayside Elementary and Martin Luther King Jr. High and graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur. He then studied Communication at Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo, CA, and Alabama State University in Birmingham.
Murray developed an extended relationship with the Tiburon Christian Fellowship Church in Larkspur and Rev. Dr. Jerry Buckner. He became a radio announcer on KFAX’s “Contending For the Faith,” where, alongside Buckner, Murray “was often called upon to counsel and console call-in listeners.”
A talented actor and comedian, Murray performed in countless plays and events in Marin City and County. He also sang, up to his death, with the choir at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, pastored by Rev. Floyd Thompson.
Here are excerpts of the tributes that Murray’s family shared in the program.
“In your passing, I am touched by the profound impact of your life, legacy, and memory. Many people knew you, but I was blessed to know you simply as Dad. There was nothing you wouldn’t do for me,” wrote Gianna.
“What stands out most in my memories of you is your incredible generosity. You were always ready to give your time and love to others, often without anyone needing to ask. I will cherish the moments from my childhood that we shared…You always had such a calming and level-headed presence, and I am often told by others that I inherited this quality from you,” wrote Alyssa.
“The real lessons, the ones that mattered most, you taught without saying a word. I saw it in the way you moved through life, in the way you carried yourself. I saw it in how you treated folks, never caring where they came from nor what they had. You held yourself to a high standard, and I watched and wanted to be like you,” wrote Jahmanz.
“I am so grateful and proud of the faith you held close. When you rededicated yourself to the Lord and stepped into the role of a Deacon, it was a moment that made my heart soar with joy…I will never forget that day we were asked to sing a duet at your church. It was such a beautiful moment, and one I will treasure forever,” wrote his mother Florence Murray Williams.
Reggie leaves behind to cherish his memory four children: Alyssa (Greg) Evans, Gianna Murray, Chris Murray, and Nacaea Wess; his mother, Florence Murray Williams; brother, Jahmanz Williams; stepfather, Robert Williams; his aunt, Mildred Edordu; his uncle Gary Houston; grandmother, Mama Dee Dee Paris; granddaughter Avery and a large family of other close relatives and friends. His father, James Murray preceeded him in death.
