Murray, Charles Edward

  • Sunday, October 12, 2014
Charles Murray
Charles Murray

Charles Edward Murray died peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2014, in a local hospital after a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 28, 1913.  He passed away just a few weeks before turning 101.

Charles was the son of the late Asa L. Murray, Sr. and Lillie Wood Murray.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Irene Murray McFadden; brothers, Asa L. Murray, Jr. and Joseph G. Murray, both of California; two nephews, John D. McFadden, Jr. and Stewart Murray McFadden; and son-in-law, Larry R. Freeland.  His beloved wife of 73 years, Kathleen Rutledge Murray, passed away in June of 2008.

Charles was a member of Brainerd United Methodist Church.  However, he was a long time member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church until its closing in 2004.  He was a member of the Russell Tate Sunday School Class, also serving as president.  He was a member of the Chancel Choir for over 25 years and also served as president of the official board as well as the Men’s Club of St. Andrews.

Charles was a 1931 graduate of Central High School.  He was in the orchestra there where he played first violin.  He also graduated from Edmonson School of Business.  While at Edmonson, he won a medal for being the fastest typist at the school.  After graduating from Edmonson, he went to work for George A. Hormel & Co.

In 1935, he took a job with NC & St. L Railroad (now CSX) in the freight sales. He spent 40 years there and retired as assistant district sales manager in 1975.

Charles was a past president of the Chattanooga Transportation Club, past president of the City Salesman’s Club and a member of the Half Century Club also serving as an officer and was currently a member of the board of directors.

For many years he and Kathleen traveled with Knoxville Tours on their Reunion Tours going to many places in the U.S.

Charles is survived by his daughter, Joyce Ann Murray Freeland, with whom he made his home.  Also, grandson, Jon Murray Freeland (wife, Jen); nephews, Asa L. Murray, III and wife Kristina, of Boise, Idaho, John Paul Rutledge and wife Beverly of Signal Mountain, and Gene M. Rutledge and wife Charlene of Red Bank; nieces, Jo Anne Murray Rankin and husband Jim, of Kenilworth, Il., Beatrice McFadden of Chattanooga; great-niece, Alisa McFadden Lonas of Chattanooga; and other great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the funeral home.

Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at the funeral home chapel with Reverend Marvin Howard and Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Flaugher officiating.

Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be former members of St. Andrews United Methodist Church and members of the Half Century Club.

Memorial donations may be made to Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411.

Arrangements are by the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 404 South Moore Road.  

Please share your condolences atwww.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.

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