Capt. John Law "Blackie" Murdoch

1932 - 2017

CENTREVILLE - Capt. John Law "Blackie" Murdoch, of Centreville, Md., died peacefully in his home on Dec. 18, 2017. He was 85 years old.
John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Susan; his children: Elese Murdoch, John Murdoch II and his wife Sharon, and Scotta Higdon and her husband Corey, all of Centreville; as well as 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, William B. Murdoch III and his wife Marjorie, of Easton; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ruth; his brother, George F. Murdoch; his daughter, Virginia "Gigi" Murdoch Hutchins; and his grandson, John Law Murdoch III.
John was born on Dec. 15, 1932, in Cannonsburg, Pa., to William B. and Ruth F. Murdoch. While he was a child, their family moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, eventually settling in Centreville.
After graduating from Washington College in Chestertown, he joined the Navy and attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida. While stationed at Brunswick Naval Air Station, he met and married Susan Richardson. As a Naval aviator, he flew P-2's and P-3's, patrolling the Atlantic Coast. After his full-time service, he returned to Centreville to run the family farm and floral business, Murdoch Florist, which is still operated by his family. He remained in the Naval Reserves until he retired as a Captain in 1987.
In addition to his work, John was a member of the Ruritan Club, Queen Anne's County Soil Conservation, and the Centreville American Legion Jeff Davis Post 18. He was especially involved in Centreville United Methodist Church, and loved helping others, often without them knowing that he was their benefactor.
Above all, John loved spending time with his family. Some of his best times were out on the boat enjoying the water and all it had to offer. His grandchildren always appreciated their "Poppy's" great sense of humor. He will be remembered as kind, hardworking, generous and full of fun.
A visitation will held on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centreville United Methodist Church, Centreville, Md., where a funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Burial at Chesterfield Cemetery will immediately follow. All are welcome to attend and Celebrate John's life.
Memorial contributions of flowers or donations may be made to Centreville United Methodist Church, 608 Church Hill Road, Centreville, MD 21617 or Compass Regional Hospice Inc., 255 Comet Drive, Centreville, MD 21617.



This obituary was originally published in The Star Democrat.