Thomas Black Murdock

November 25, 2023

CHARLOTTE – Thomas Black Murdock, 82, most recently of Charlotte, NC, died on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from a long illness. Tom led a life of service to his family, community, country, and church. 

Tom was born on July 22, 1941, to James and Jean Murdock of North Argyle, NY.  Along with his siblings, James Murdock and Rebecca Kennedy, they had a pastoral upbringing on the family dairy farm.  Tom found himself naturally drawn to academics which led him to St. Lawrence University, Dartmouth College's Tuck School, and briefly to Germany as a Captain in the United States Army. 

Tom worked in Information Technology for 30 years, but social and racial justice advocacy was his life-long passion.  Whether it was in Winchester, MA where he and his wife, Grig, raised their two children or in his retirement years in Charlotte, NC, Tom found fulfillment and challenge through his volunteerism.  He was a mentor and tutor to numerous young people, an officiant of citizenship ceremonies, a platelet donor for over 35 years, and the notorious author of dozens of letters to newspaper editors, government officials, and clergy.  He was thoughtful, serious, and an idealist. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Grig Kirk Murdock; son, Brian Murdock and his wife, Laura Murdock of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Elizabeth Murdock of Boston, MA; brother, James Murdock and his wife, Margaret Murdock of Rochester, NY; sister, Rebecca Kennedy and her husband, Gary Kennedy of Sanger, TX; and cousin, Susan Young and her husband, Steve Young of Rockingham, VA. Tom was enamored by his three grandchildren, Colin, James, and Adam Murdock, and by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews for whom he cared deeply. 

A memorial service in celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the St. Francis Chapel at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall.  The service will be livestreamed at:  https://boxcast.tv/channel/avywlradrkwnpw81mpef for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Tom to his favorite organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, 184 High Street, Floor 3, Boston, MA 02110 or https://emassbigs.org/.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Delores Johnson Hurt

    I served with Tom when I was president of Charlotte’s League of Women Voters. Tom provided crucial leadership in a time of crisis for the League. . His compassion and sense of fair play will be greatly missed.

    Delores Johnson Hurt

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  • Delores Johnson Hurt

    I served with Tom when I was president of the Charlotte Mecklenburg League of Women Voters.
    Tom provided crucial leadership to the League during a period of crisis. His gentleness, compassion, and sense of fair play were greatly admired.

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  • League of Women Voters of Charlotte Mecklenburg

    On behalf of the Board of Directors of LWVCM, I am writing to express our sincere condolences to Tom’s family. Tom served on our board for many years with dedication and diligence. His leadership of our Civics101 program provided an invaluable service to both the League and our community. The League is making a contribution to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern MA in his memory.
    Suzanne Elsberry-President LCVCM

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  • Chester Thuener & Joyce Malia

    We have known Tom and Grig for many years and have enjoyed so many good times with them in Boston, Maine, the Cape and In California. We were fortunate to travel with them and Dorcas & Yoshio to Japan. We saw Tom have many memorable interactions with young Japanese students practicing their English. Tom was a very special person and had a lot of compassion for those less fortunate. We often compared political notes and differences from the East Coast to the West Coast. Tom and I both participated in letter-writing campaigns to encourage people to vote for Vote Forward but I was never able to compete with Tom for the number of letters written. We will miss you Tom. We wish to express condolences to your family. Joyce & Chuck

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  • Jack and Joan Wallwork

    Grig, Brian and Elizabeth, we are so sorry for your loss. We had a lot of fun when we were all living in Winchester. Our prayers are with you.
    Joan and Jack

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  • Rebecca Jean Murdock Kennedy

    Tom’s great intellect and wisdom contributed greatly to this world, but it was his sweet, kind heart that will live on in all the lives he touched.
    I loved him dearly as did my brother Jim.

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  • Rebecca Jean Murdock Kennedy

    Tom’s great intellect and wisdom contributed greatly to this world, but it was his sweet, kind heart that will live one in all those lives he touched.
    I loved him dearly as did my brother Jim.

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  • John Dowling

    A great boss (new balance) and one of the nicest person I ever met. He will be missed. God speed my friend

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  • Susan Young

    Tom's compassion for others always showed through everything he did. I looked up to him, literally and figuratively. What a positive role model!

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  • Anne Robertson

    I bring condolences from all at Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church in Winchester. Although I only became the pastor here late in 2020, Tom and Grig were regular participants in our Zoom church at that time and I had the privilege of "meeting" Tom then. Many here remember him so fondly and send love and prayers to Grig and the rest of the family.

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