Charles Perry ""Chuck"" Murray

1937 - 2024

Charles (Chuck) Perry Murray, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on October 5, 2024 from prostate cancer. He was born on June 24, 1937 in Peoria, Illinois but always felt that California was his home. He is survived by his wife Susan Murray, daughters Crystal Renteria (Humberto), Teri DeMarco (Lou), granddaughters Jessica Pimentel (Joseph), Katie French, great-grandchildren Ryleigh Ortiz and Johnathan Pimentel, sister Judy Strickfaden and brother John Murray.
While working at Keystone Steel and Wire in Peoria, he heard about the opportunity to work at Cape Canaveral working for RCA/Nasa as a camera operator during the Apollo missions. This would be the answer to his dream since the age of 16. By not giving up on this fantastic opportunity, he pushed ahead, ignoring the people who discouraged him. He aced the test requirements and won the job. He moved his family to Florida during an exciting time. Because his supervisor knew of his skill and desire, Chuck was offered the chance he had dreamed of - being the closest unprotected person, as forward camera operator, to the Saturn V rocket to the moon, Apollo XI.
Chuck worked at Cape Canaveral until 1970. When he was ready for a new adventure, he moved his family to San Diego, California. After working at a radio station and a camera manufacturing company as a technical engineer, he started his own business - Visual Communication Specialists, where he designed CCTV equipment. He retired in 1990 and took up many fun hobbies including designing accessories for model trains, volunteering with the Alpine Kiwanis, and traveling in his motorhome with his wife Sue.
Services will be held on Saturday, October 26 at 2:00pm at Lakeside Christian Church, 13739 El Monte Rd, Lakeside.
Memorial contributions can be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or St Jude Hospital, both of which he supported during his life.