Thomas McMurray departed this life on Dec. 19, 2014, at Mobile Infirmary, where he was surrounded by family.

Thomas, the son of the late William McMurray and Nonie Reid McMurray, was born in Lincolnton, Ga., on Feb. 11, 1931. Thomas was educated in the Lincolnton County School System. At an early age he joined Pleasant Grove Church in Lincolnton, Ga. He joined the U.S. Army on March 7, 1953. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 24, 1956.

He was married to Barbara Louise Wilson in 1956 at Calvary Baptist church in Passaic, N.J. To this union, three children were born. He was an active member at St. Paul Baptist Church in Passaic. He was employed at Allied Chemical and Pathmark Supermark as a truck driver. He was a member of the VFW Post #10117 in Passaic, where he served in several capacities. He was the commander for four years and the quartermaster for two years.

In 1993, they moved to Atmore. Shortly after arriving in Atmore, he became a member of Greater Mt. Triumph Baptist Church and later joined Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, where he was faithful until his health began to fail. Thomas was the chairman of the Trustee Board, the treasurer and a member of the male chorus at Mt. Pisgah. He was also an active member of the VFW Post #90 in Atmore, where he also served as a trustee.

Thomas, affectionately known as “Mac,” was well known in the community. He owned and operated The Four Corners and later moved into a store on MLK Avenue called M.L.K. Game Room. He touched the lives of several youth throughout the community. He had a passion for helping our youth. He was a leader, a mentor, an advocate for our youth and community, a surrogate father and a wise counselor for many. He was a friend and colleague to many. He gave life lessons and taught many of them to shoot pool. He was well known for delicious chili cheese dogs.

His parents; three brothers, Johnny, William and W.T.; and a very special granddaughter, Nyamiah Weeks, preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Barbara McMurray; one stepson, Michael (Delois) Wilson Sr.; three children, Darrel (Nina) McMurray, Gregory (Latianna McMurray) and Jacqueline McMurray; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; four siblings, Henry (Beverly) McMurray, James (Belinda) McMurray, Rose McMurray and Virginia McMurray; five sisters-in-law, Betty (Decatur) Longmire, Dianne (Godfrey) Alemezohu, Shirley (Lorenzo) Nero, Gwendolyn Tucker and Rebecca Wilson; two brothers-in-law, Jimmy (Irma Jean) Wilson and Anthony Wilson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

Services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. Interment followed in Fairview Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Charley Blow, Layton Frye Sr., Charles Tucker, James Wilson, Marvin Wilson, Jr. and Michael Wilson. Flower bearers were friends of the family.

Christian Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.