Grig Kirk Murdock
August 3, 2025
Grig Kirk Murdock, most recently of Charlotte, NC, died on August 3, 2025, at the age of 78 after a long illness. She was born on February 8, 1947, to Phyllis and Jones Edgar Kirk in Raleigh, NC. She and her siblings, Susan Hamilton and Carey Kirk, grew up in a post-WWII neighborhood surrounded by families that laid the foundation for lifelong friendships.
Grig attended Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC, and went on to be a proud graduate from the inaugural class of women admitted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as first years. Decades later, she earned a Master’s degree from Lesley University. She moved to Boston for work where she met her husband of 49 years, Thomas Murdock, and they settled into Winchester, MA, to raise their children. They remained active members of the community until they retired to Charlotte, NC, to be down the street from their grandchildren.
Grig’s enduring commitment to others showed in many ways: her career as a physical therapist then rehabilitation hospital administrator; through volunteer work preparing meals, knitting scarves, assisting at her grandchildren’s elementary school; and training as a Stephen’s Minister. She was quick to laugh, kind to strangers, and the light of our lives.
Grig is pre-deceased by her husband, Thomas Murdock, and sister Susan Hamilton of Raleigh, NC. She is survived by her son Brian Murdock and wife Laura Murdock of Charlotte, NC; daughter Elizabeth Murdock of Boston, MA; brother Carey Kirk and husband Tom Speigel of Vero Beach, FL; and brother-in-law Alfred Hamilton, Jr. of Raleigh, NC. Grig was “Gran” to her beloved grandchildren, Colin, James, and Adam Murdock, and proud of her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
All are welcome to attend the memorial service in celebration of Grig’s life at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to U.N.C.’s Carolina Center for Public Service’s Murdock Family Alternative Break Experience Fund that bridges the gap for students interested in volunteer work and service projects.
The memorial service can be viewed by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/J5EHvSD4YAs
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.
Comments
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Grig was my first real crush, the prettiest lady both outside and inside I have ever known. We had good fun and learned a lot from one another. She was a brilliant student and we had great times working through some tough assignments together with a tough German teacher we both adored. Fraulein Kirk was a favorite of his. The fact that we had met at church shaped much of our relationship, sharing lots of worship and fellowship experiences there. We also enjoyed holding hands on the back row of the balcony, far out of sight of our respective parents below. No wonder I enjoyed going to church, even in high school. We saw each other at our 50th Broughton reunion and shared some brief conversation. She later posted some very kind words on my page on our class website. A part of me is still in love with her, as are so many others whose lives she touched. Be at peace, my friend.
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I’m saddened to hear of Grig’s passing. She volunteered in my classroom at Eastover Elementary when Colin was in my kindergarten class. And then she continued to volunteer in my classroom year after year. Grig was so kind, compassionate, and always a bright spot in my day. The students loved having her as much as I did. I think of her often. My prayers are with your family during these difficult days. Sending much love, Cathy Duckett
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Grig hired me back in 1977 as a PT at NERH where we worked together for many years. She was a great boss but more than that she was a wonderful friend. Many happy memories of you. Rest in peace.
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Grig will be remembered as a very generous person to all who knew her: her patients, her grand children, family members and especially her husband , Tom, who complemented her personality.
May she rest in peace??
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