Dr. Charles F. Murray Jr.

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.