Dr. Charles F. Murray Jr.
May 5, 1946 ~ October 10, 2024
Born in:
Wagram, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Charles Murray passed away at the age of 78 in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 10, 2024. He was born and raised in Wagram, North Carolina, and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he pursued graduate studies in philosophy, earning an M.S. in 1972, followed by an M.D. in 1976. From 1969 to 1971, he served as a conscientious objector at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina. Charles worked as a physician with the Buncombe County Health Department from 1978 to 2010, where he was instrumental in devising a primary healthcare system for Buncombe County citizens who were unable to access the existing healthcare system.
In 1989, Charles married Heather Spencer, the love of his life, who also had a career as a physician in Western North Carolina. In addition to their shared professional interests, they collaborated on Heather’s gardens, which included a renowned collection of Asian maples. Charles developed his collection with the support of a community of enthusiasts from both the United States and the UK. He was also part of a second community of musicians, performing with friends starting in the late 1970s and continuing for the rest of his life. He had a special affinity for the compositions of Thelonious Monk. Additionally, Charles was engaged in a community of philosophy students, dating back to the 1960s, with a particular interest in the thought of C. S. Peirce.
Charles is survived by his wife, Heather, his daughter, Kate Murray, and her husband, Scott McCue, along with their children, Henry and Eli. He is also survived by his son, Will Murray.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts in honor of his life and commitments be made to The Maple Society of North America, P.O. Box 2635, Port Angeles, WA 98362.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road
856 Tunnel Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805
(828)299-4416
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Charles was one of my favorite people when I attended Wagram High School from 1959-1963. He had a great sense of humor and was very smart. He enjoyed acting in plays such as Macbeth and Beta Club hillbilly skits. He never forgot his Wagram roots. Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace!
OMG, can’t believe he’s gone. Worked with him from 1994-2010 until he retired. Went some of his concerts he played at in Asheville. He was always playing an Arthea Franklin song. Spoke to him on the phone 2023, was good to hear is voice.
He surely will be missed.
Sincerely,
R
My sincere condolences to Heather and all who loved Charles. I tuned his piano for many years, and always looked forward to an interesting conversation with him on any number of subjects. Will McGuffin
Alan and I are so sorry for your loss. 💔
Brownie Gainey class mate
I am so sad to learn this news. I worked at BCHD for many years with Dr. Murray, and have many fond memories of those days. I especially smile when I recall a home visit to an elderly patient we made together. His compassionate care was so important to many in our community. Well done good and faithful servant; rest in peace.
Charles was my perpetual mentor, exemplar, and inspired/ inspirational colleague. His entire being radiated generosity, creativity, patience, and peace, even when he was wailing with the Dogs. Thank you, Charles. Love and solace to you, Heather and family.
Heather and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have good memories of Charles and his leadership role in the medical community and his love of jazz. Sending you thoughts of peace and comfort.
Charles was so much more than this, but he was the only intellectual friend I ever had. For a number of years, we met weekly, sometimes during Covid outside the building I lived in. We read some tough texts on Kant, Marx, Augustine, early Christian thought, always aloud to one another, pausing over sentences until we wrestled their meaning, sometimes only a paragraph in a session. He knew how to ask questions, pursue suggestions, listen. I knew no one like him. I loved him and miss him.
Charles Murray- I remember him as the pianist with No Band in the 1980s. Those were such good sweet times. Charles played the piano in the living room of the first Designer show house to set the mood for the gala evening. I will never forget his kindness.