WCU MURRAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
WHARTON CHRISTOPHER URIEL MURRAY BIO
At Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, NJ on November 26, 1979, a 6 lb, 4 oz glowing eyed baby boy was born. His proud parents, Wharton and Della named him Wharton Christopher Uriel Murray; Wharton after his dad, Christopher, his Christian name, Uriel, meaning powerful (symbolizing the direction his life would follow) and Murray, his surname.
INTRO INTO THE WORLD
Born: November 26, 1979
Birthplace: Newark, NJ
Death: May 19, 2005
"Chris was quiet, caring, family oriented, very real and a young man full of dreams.
"
Della was told that her chances of ever having a child were 0-25% and that would happen only after having an operation where her fallopian tubes would be reconstructed. The day that she found out that she was pregnant was the happiest day of her life.
A FAMILY MAN
Wharton Christopher Uriel Murray, affectionately known as “Chris,” was quiet, caring, family oriented, very real and a young man full of dreams. He was the eldest of two siblings: Erica and Ashley. To Erica, he was everything: a father figure, big brother, friend, and confidant.
Chris and his dad were very close too. Talking with his dad always lit up the sparkle in his eyes. To his mother, he was her miracle from God! Their relationship was that of love, devotion and most of all trust. He believed in his mother’s prayers and when she told him anything, he knew that there was something significant to it.
HARD WORK PAYS OFF
In 2000, Chris left college and headed for Alabama to live with his Uncle Artis, Aunt Beverly and their children. Jobs were scare in Alabama, and Chris would often be laid off and then called back, and then laid off again. Even so, he was a hard worker and no matter what job he would later have, he would always give it his best, but soon realized the importance of a skill or college education.
In December 2004, during one of his laid off time, he received a call from an employer in Atlanta, GA who had heard of his skill as a welder. He was interviewed and accepted the job in Atlanta. He lived in Atlanta during the week, but spent his weekends in Alabama with family.
GONE TOO SOON
Chris was a Christian. He was always very clear about his faith in Jesus Christ, so while being home for the graduation, Chris returned to his roots and went to church with his mom and his sister, Erica, as they did every Sunday when he was growing up. Little did any one know that this would be their last time attending church together.
Chris returned to Atlanta shortly after Erica’s gradation. Two days later, his life would be taken away from him by an unknown assiilant.
LEAVING A LEGACY
To date, there is no evidence of who killed Chris, but we shall continue to pursue with all diligence to find his murderer/s.
Today, we are turning our anger into energy by assisting others in a way in which we feel Wharton Christopher Uriel Murray would be proud.