Thomas Worth
Murray, Jr., 88
DOVER - Thomas Worth Murray, Jr. passed away Friday, November 12, 2021, at Kent General Hospital.
He was born April 5, 1933, in Ocean City, Maryland to Thomas Worth Murray, Sr. and Elsie Gibbs.
Mr. Murray served in the United States Army, he was a Korean War Veteran. Upon returning from the war, he worked with his father at Consolidated Industries. He went on to work for Edgell Construction as a foreman for several years. Next, Tom worked for the State of Delaware, first as the Park Commissioner, then as the Director of Administrative Services and Chief of the State of Delaware's Capitol Police. After leaving his post at the State of Delaware he returned to his first love, buying, and selling military surplus vehicles, which he did for the remainder of his life. During his tenure as Park Commissioner, he was able to acquire Cape Henlopen State Park, Brandywine State Park, and Lums Pond for the enjoyment of all Delawareans. In July of 1974, as Director of Administrative Services, he identified the need to expand the role of the Capitol Police and initiated basic police/security and weapons training for all officers. The force started with 3 officers and has grown to 96 officers. Finally, Tom returned to his love of collecting, buying, and selling military surplus vehicles and parts. He, his wife, and son John, founded TNJMurray Worldwide Service, Inc. For the rest of his life, he traveled extensively around the country buying and selling vehicles to collectors and hunters. In 1995, he made a trip to the country of Morocco where he started a 30-year relationship with the military supporting their wheeled vehicles program. Tom felt Morocco was like his second home, having a great love for the country, the culture, and the people of Morocco. He was working and planning trips to military vehicle shows right up to the day he entered the hospital.
Tom's love of the outdoors was boundless. As a member of the Ocean City Light Tackle Club, he was an avid sport fisherman, he fished all over the world for marlin and sailfish. His greatest sport fishing achievement was winning the Gold Cup Invitational Team Tournament with his wife Nancy, son John, and daughter-in-law Debbie.
He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and an avid hunter who spent limitless hours with his son John, preparing and hunting for ducks, geese, and deer on the Delaware and Virginia marshes.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas W. Murray Sr.; his mother, Elsie Gibbs Murray; his oldest son, Thomas W. Murray, III; his brother, Morris Murray; his daughter, Molly Murray; and his sister, Jo Ann Vickers.
Mr. Murray is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Nancy L. Murray; his youngest son, John Murray and his wife Debora; and a grandchild, Halie Murray-Davis.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Friday November 19, 2021, at the Presbyterian Church of Dover, 54 S. State St., Dover, Del. Friends may call one hour prior. Interment will follow the service at the Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Wild Lands; P.O. Box 505 Odessa, DE 19730.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com