Preston Earl Murdoch

Preston Earl Murdoch, of Smithfield, Virginia, formerly of Morehead City, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024. 

A funeral service to honor Preston’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 25th at Salter Path Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Donald Thomas. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 24th at Munden Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest privately at Wildwood Community Cemetery. For those unable to attend, the funeral service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Preston was born on March 27, 1942, to the late Hubert and Elsie Murdoch. He loved his home community of Wildwood in Newport, NC where he was born and raised until 1963.

A well-respected and hardworking man, Preston thrived in the business world as the owner of two successful businesses - Tidewater Drywall, Inc. and Murdoch Builder, Inc. His dedication to his work was unrivaled, and he treated every business relationship with respect and value. Known for his exceptional work ethic and commitment to excellence. Whether business or personal, Preston took his friendships seriously, valuing each of those relationships.

Outside of work, Preston was happiest when on the water. Always living on the coast he frequently indulged in his love for fishing, finding joy in casting his nets. A true outdoorsman, Preston spent endless hours hunting, relaxing in nature, and enjoying the thrill of the hunt. He was a member of the Moonlight Hunting Club and the Moose Lodge. Preston was also known for his hearty appetite for a delicious meal which he greatly appreciated.

Preston was blessed with 63 years with the love of his life, Anita Smith Murdoch.  He was a family man to the core and loved spending quality time with each of them. Preston was a wonderful provider for his loved ones and did so with great joy.

Preston was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, esteemed business owner, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Anita Murdoch; children, Jeffrey H. Murdoch (Susan) and Louise Brake-Baker (Steve), all of Smithfield, VA; grandchildren, Clayton Murdoch (Becky), Jamie Mintz (Pete) Sharon Sledd (Drew), Jason Brake (Meagan), and Rusty Brake (Tiffany); and 14 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, Preston was preceded in death by his siblings, Myra Johnston, David Murdoch, and Bert Murdoch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wildwood Presbyterian Church, 276 Wildwood Rd., Newport, NC 28570, Salter Path Methodist Church, 1200 Salter Path Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 or the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306. 

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.