Roy Kenneth Murdock
July 4, 1929 ~ March 17, 2013
Roy Kenneth Murdock was Born in Seattle, WA on July 4, 1929, to Kenneth Murdock and Norma (Stewart) Murdock. Growing up during the Great Depression taught Roy the value of hard work, which he applied to every aspect of his life. In 1951, Roy graduated from UC Berkeley's School of Engineering, with highest honors, a member of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society, and Sigma Xi, a scientifice research honor society. He later taught engineering courses at Sanford University and USC.
As ROTC graduate, Roy immediately began to serve in the US Army in Japan and Korea, as a platoon leader and rifle company of infantry units in combat. He was honorably discharged in 1953, having attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Roy then went to work for Mobil Oil Corporation or its affiliatees in 1953. He began his career in Los Angeles, transferring in 1965 to New York, and in 1980 to Fairfax, VA. He retired in 1988as the General Manager of Crude and Gas Liquids in Fairfax, VA. After retiring, he worked part-time as a consultant, primarily is areas where his industry experience provided special value and servedpublic interest. He also served as consultant to the National Petroleum Council as principal author of a book explaining the oil industry capability and methods of responding to emergency situations in the US.
Roy continued to stay active and informed in current political, professional, and social issues, and amused himself writing programs for his computer. Taking care of his family was a priority in life, and he did that admirably until his death March 17, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of McLean, VA, his children, James L. Cash and wife, Joan, of Murrell's Inlet, Jonathon L. Cash. of Melbourne, FL, and Elizabeth M. Wagner and husband Nick, of Lemoore, CA, as well as four grandchildren, and four and a half great grandchildren. His friends and family will remember him for his quick wit and uncompromising integrity, and he will be missed greatly by all.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
As ROTC graduate, Roy immediately began to serve in the US Army in Japan and Korea, as a platoon leader and rifle company of infantry units in combat. He was honorably discharged in 1953, having attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Roy then went to work for Mobil Oil Corporation or its affiliatees in 1953. He began his career in Los Angeles, transferring in 1965 to New York, and in 1980 to Fairfax, VA. He retired in 1988as the General Manager of Crude and Gas Liquids in Fairfax, VA. After retiring, he worked part-time as a consultant, primarily is areas where his industry experience provided special value and servedpublic interest. He also served as consultant to the National Petroleum Council as principal author of a book explaining the oil industry capability and methods of responding to emergency situations in the US.
Roy continued to stay active and informed in current political, professional, and social issues, and amused himself writing programs for his computer. Taking care of his family was a priority in life, and he did that admirably until his death March 17, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Helen, of McLean, VA, his children, James L. Cash and wife, Joan, of Murrell's Inlet, Jonathon L. Cash. of Melbourne, FL, and Elizabeth M. Wagner and husband Nick, of Lemoore, CA, as well as four grandchildren, and four and a half great grandchildren. His friends and family will remember him for his quick wit and uncompromising integrity, and he will be missed greatly by all.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Roy Murdock was a man of great personal integrity. His keen intelect always added value to my many conversations with him ranging from our experiences during the Korean War to the politics of the middle east. I am better today due to the honor and privilege of having had Roy Murdock as a friend. He will be missed.
He will be missed.
Helen, We are sorry for your loss. Roy’s smile and wit will be long remembered. You and your family are in our prayers. Fondly, Carolyn and Harty Gardner
Helen, I am so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. We are in Florida for a few more weeks, but I wanted to let you know my thoughts now. Roy was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. But more importantly his great sense of humor, quick wit,and favorite sayings made him a pleasure to be around. He also was a great guy to work for. Once again, you have my most sincere condolences.
Dear Helen We are so sad to hear of Roy’s passing and wish to pass along our condolences. Roy was a bright, humorous, and high integrity guy who was a unique individual — terrific to be around and a wonderful teacher and boss, especially to the scores of young folks he mentored. We will always remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for your loss.
Helen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roy was special. Knew him for over 30 years. Integrity is a great description.
My thoughts and prayers go to Roy’s family at this time of their great loss. I knew Roy from Mobil days both in New York City and Fairfax, VA and always found it a pleasure to work with him. He will definitely be missed.
I had the distinct good fortune to work for Roy in the ’70’s in New York City. He was a great boss. I remember going into his office to present something and looking about for some item that would allow me to better connect with him. He had a strap from a subway car hanging on a placque on his wall. I am a train enthusiast so I thought I had hit on it. So I asked if he loved trains as shown by that plaque. He said no, he really deplored them so he got the placque as a joke gift! Let’s focus on the presentation.
Roy will be missed by family, friends and colleagues. During my association with Roy during my career with Mobil, Roy was much my senior in terms of age and position at the time, but that never affected his interest and support. He was always helpful, respectful and wanted all to succeed. He was an excellent example to follow and aspire to be.
Roy was certainly one of a kind, and the word kind fits him like a glove. His work ethic and loyalty to “his people” was as legendary as the many “Murdockisms” we all learned….with my favorite being “When the axe starts swinging, be sure you’re on the handle end”. I was so lucky to have worked with him at Mobil in NYC and Fairfax and will sorely miss his friendship and guidance. Trying to best him when trading tacky “your getting old” birthday cards was always so much fun. My heart goes out to Helen, the rest of his family, and his many friends. We will all miss him more than he’ll ever know.
Helen, Diane and I are in Colorado and just heard the news of Roy’s passing. We will not be able to attend the funeral but will contact you once we return to Virginia. We will have you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dick Knox
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family at this time of need. Roy was an exeptional person and one of the rocks that enabled Mobil to become a great company.The highest complement we can pay is to say he was one of the good ones.
When I arrived in the Fairfax offices in 1982, I was overwhelmed having come from a refinery. Although I did not work for Roy, he made me feel comfortable with my new surroundings. His easy, humorous style could put the whole room of serious Mobil people at ease, adding to the end results of any meeting. I will never forget Roy’s many unique colloquialisms and his positive, yet firm manner.
Dear Helen and family: Roy started out as my Boss at Mobil in Fairfax, VA, and ended up as a very dear friend for the past 30 years. His wit, sarcastic birthday cards, and most of all friendship will be greatly missed. Words can’t describe how sad I am for the loss of Roy, but my memories will always remember a man of an intelligence, a fantastic memory, and quick wit. My thoughts and prayers go out to Helen and the family. Carol Poulsen
I was fortunate to know and work with Roy in New York. He was one of the most thoughtful, smartest and witty people I met at Mobil. Roy was always willing to provide help and guidance and had a great sense of humor. He also gave great advice and reminded me occasionally over the years that the time I did not follow it was when he said about my now ex husband “Don’t marry that guy”. We were lucky to laugh about that at my retirement years later. Roy will be remembered and missed by many. My thoughts are with Helen and their family at this time.
In my 17 years with Mobil Corporation, I never met a better manager, smarter person, or more decent and kind man. His fabulous sense of humor was a real bonus in the business world and as a longtime friend. His Christmas letter was always a December highlight. His devotion to his family was paramount, and my sincere condolences to Helen and the children and grandchildren.
My deepest condolences to Helen and the family on Roy’s passing. Roy was one of Mobil’s ME men who Vince always spoke of as a friend rather than a work buddy. Remember his humor and happy years together. Always, Dottie
Worked together for many years on the Middle East — admirably smart,always friendly — very sad at his passing.
I worked in Dr Franks Dental office and had the pleasure of knowing Roy at each visit. He was a delightful gentleman, and a joy to serve. I was surprised to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to his family members and all those who knew him that he touched in some way. He was a delightful individual that will be missed . Shirley Beverley
For over a decade, I visited Roy at his home monthly for scriptural discussions. What a remarkable man. He made every visit a happy and positive experience for me. So, when my wife learned from Liz that Roy had fallen asleep in death, I was shocked but not overly sad. I found it impossible to be too sad when I reflected on the fact that my friendship with Roy never contained even a hint of unpleasantness. Each visit with Roy begin and ended the same way, with a smile. He truly enriched my life.
I was very saddened by the news of Roy Murdock’s passing. He was a funny, witty and brilliant man, the father of my best childhood friend. He left a lasting impression on me. He was supremely hardworking and focused, but a fun-loving person and exceptionally devoted family man. My deepest condolences to Helen, Jim, John and Liz. ~ Drew Whitney (aka, Kitty Garrity)
Roy was a kind and generous man and had the gift to make you laugh. I always appreciated his good wishes for my daughter over the years. I will miss him as will so many others. My deepest condolences to Helen, his children and grandchildren.
What a loss! Roy was a fine human being and a great boss.