Mr. James Drummond "Drum" Murray III

Mr. James Drummond Murray, III, 72, of Aiken, SC, known as "Drum", husband of fifty-one years to Vickie Belle Fertig Murray, entered into rest on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Born in Niagara Falls, NY, a son of the late James Drummond Jr. and Jean Carver Murray, Drum spent the early part of his life in Lewiston, NY. He obtained his Master of Education from the University of South Carolina. Drum and his family lived in Perry, OH, before making Aiken, SC, home in 1992.
He proudly and with honor served his country in the United States Army, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. As a Drill Sergeant, he trained many women and men to become soldiers. For his meritorious service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and Expert Weapons Qualifications Badge.
Drum retired from the Savannah River Site, where he was an Emergency Planner in the Hazmat Division. He was formerly a volunteer Firefighter with Couchton Fire and Rescue and a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Drum enjoyed participating in the Scottish Highland Games as an athlete and for many years after a judge for the athletic competitions. He enjoyed shooting ranges, was a prolific reader, rooting for the Buffalo Bills and Montreal Canadians, watching F1 racing, and studying World War II history.
Along with his wife, Vickie, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Stephanie (Doug) McDowell, Jennifer (Timothy) Beak and United States Army Major James Drummond (Ashley) Murray IV, and his grandchildren, Micah McDowell, Natalie McDowell, Preston Beak, Adrien Beak, Margo Murray, JD Murray V, Drew Murray and Ethan Murray.
In addition to his parents, Drum was preceded in death by a brother, Cameron Murray, and a grandson, Benjamin Murray.
SSG Murray will be interred in Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC, on a date and time to be announced. A United States Army Honor Guard will render veterans' honors.
His favorite prayer is a Scottish Prayer: Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us; so be quick to love, and make haste to be kind. AMEN.
Drum was a kind, caring, and giving man. He firmly believed in charity and gave to many organizations and individuals in need. Therefore, the family has asked that memorials in memory of Drum be given to the charity of the donor's choice.