Matthew J Murray

Matthew J Murray, 47 of Holly Ridge, NC passed away on December 8, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

He grew up in Streator IL and attended Streator High School, where he graduated from in 1996. He studied music at NIU. He had a talent for playing a variety of musical instruments, including the Contra Bass, and a variety of guitars.

Matthew proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Enlisting in 1996, where he went to boot camp at MCRD. He then went to School of Infantry and became an 0311 Rifleman but proudly served as an 0331. He was sent to Bravo 1/4 where he was made a Machine Gunner. Matthew then did two WestPac deployments in 98 & 2000 before he exited the USMC as a Sergeant of Marines and a highly respected Machine Gun Squad Leader. Receiving the following medals or accommodations; Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (w/1 star), Certificate of Accommodation, Certificate of Appreciation, Rifle Expert Badge (2nd award), Pistol Sharpshooter Badge.

He is preceded in death by his father, Melvin J Murray, Sr.; his brother-in-law, Robert Monement; and his brother-in-law, Robert Sweeney, Sr. nephew Tommy Ramos and various aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his mother, Ruth Murray; his three sisters, Deb Monement, Karen Downey (Rob), and Kathy Sweeney; his two brothers, Glenn Linnane (Sharon) and Melvin J Murray Jr. (Kristie); several nieces and nephews; his great nieces and nephews; his childhood friend Thomas Richter, The Brotherhood of Marines he served alongside with.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to his wonderful nurse, Heather Wallace, with Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation of Wilmington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC in Matthew’s honor at the following link: https://lifecare.org/ways-to-give/memorials-tributes/

Services will be held Friday (January 30th) at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with burial following in Riverview Cemetery with full military honors conducted.