Claude Thomas "Tom" Murray

On the evening of December 30, 2024, C. Thomas Murray from Harrells, NC went to his Heavenly home, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born Claude Thomas Murray to Claude and Lila Strickland Murray. In 1960, Tom married Elizabeth Doming in Massachusetts. They were loving parents to three children, David, Lori and Tom. Liz passed away in August of 2011. Tom was blessed to find love again with Annette Peterson. They were married in February of 2014 until his passing.

Tom joined the United States Air Force after graduating Goldsboro high school which took him to California for most of his adult life. Afterwards, he put himself through law school while working at Interstate Electronics for over 20 years.

 Tom retired in North Carolina where his faith led him to the ministry, where he served faithfully at Antioch Church, Garland Methodist Church, Salem Methodist Church and Centenary Methodist Church as their interim pastor.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Annette Peterson; daughters, Barbara Beach of Madera, California and Lori Beth (Arnold) Fuller of Harrells, NC, Sheila (Jay) Zahran of Leland, NC; son, Tom (Alan) Murray of Portland, Oregon, and James (Janet) Barber of Harrells, NC; a brother, Jesse Murray of Goldsboro; sisters, Rosa Lamm (Carl) of Mt. Olive and Margaret Tyndall of Mt. Olive; fifteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held Friday, January 3, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. in the sanctuary of Emmaus Baptist Church, 714 Emmaus Church Rd., Dudley, NC with Rev. Rick Mondell and Rev. Chris O’Brien officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Tom will be greatly missed by his community and those who loved him.

Flowers are welcome or memorials can be directed to Centenary Methodist Church, Emmaus Baptist Church or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Murray family and online condolences can be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.

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