Thomas Black Murdock

1941 - 2023

Thomas Black Murdock

July 22, 1941 - Nov. 25, 2023

CHARLOTTE, NC - Thomas Black Murdock, 82, most recently of Charlotte, NC, died on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from a long illness.

Tom led a life of service to his family, community, country, and church. Tom was born on July 22, 1941, to James and Jean Murdock of North Argyle, NY. Along with his siblings, James Murdock and Rebecca Kennedy, they had a pastoral upbringing on the family dairy farm.

Tom found himself naturally drawn to academics which led him to St. Lawrence University, Dartmouth College's Tuck School, and briefly to Germany as a Captain in the United States Army.

Tom worked in Information Technology for 30 years, but social and racial justice advocacy was his life-long passion. Whether it was in Winchester, MA where he and his wife, Grig, raised their two children or in his retirement years in Charlotte, NC, Tom found fulfillment and challenge through his volunteerism.

He was a mentor and tutor to numerous young people, an officiant of citizenship ceremonies, a platelet donor for over 35 years, and the notorious author of dozens of letters to newspaper editors, government officials, and clergy. He was thoughtful, serious, and an idealist.

Tom is survived by his wife, Grig Kirk Murdock; son, Brian Murdock and his wife, Laura Murdock of Charlotte, NC; daughter, Elizabeth Murdock of Boston, MA; brother, James Murdock and his wife, Margaret Murdock of Rochester, NY; sister, Rebecca Kennedy and her husband, Gary Kennedy of Sanger, TX; and cousin, Susan Young and her husband, Steve Young of Rockingham, VA. Tom was enamored by his three grandchildren: Colin, James, and Adam Murdock; and by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews for whom he cared deeply.

A memorial service in celebration of Tom's life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Francis Chapel at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service in Jubilee Hall. The service will be livestreamed at: https://boxcast.tv/channel/avywlradrkwnpw81mpef for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Tom to his favorite organization: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, 84 High Street, Floor 3, Boston, MA 02110 or https://emassbigs.org/.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.