Christopher Martin MacMurray

Christopher Martin MacMurray, age 71, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving and devoted wife and five children. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Anne MacMurray for 42 years. He was born in Bay Shore, New York on September 4th, 1954 to the late Kenneth and Margaret MacMurray. He grew up in Schenectady, New York and Kendall Park, New Jersey with his five siblings. As a young child, he was an accomplished Boy Scout, earning numerous badges including hiking, camping, and life saving. He had an adventurous spirit and went spelunking in the caves of the Northeast. He loved wrestling and playing soccer. Later in life, he became a competitive runner, setting and meeting training goals, to win many races.

As a determined and driven hard-worker, he took classes at night while working full time to earn his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Trenton State College in New Jersey. His passion for chemistry had a lasting impact on the pigment industry; he was a founding member of five companies. His entrepreneurial spirit brought him and his family to Hilton Head Island, SC where he retired as COO of Heritage Color in Pooler, GA which is still operating today.

He met the love of his life, Elizabeth MacMurray, on the beach in New Jersey. They were soul mates and best friends. Together, they enjoyed many beach days on the Jersey Shore, sunset picnics, dancing in the kitchen, and canoeing on the Delaware River. His love for his wife knew no distance. In their early years together, he would drive hours to visit her in college. After dating for two years, he proposed to her at the same restaurant where they had their first date. They got married on July 30th, 1983 and continued to build their life together.

Their love grew into a busy family of five beautiful children. His wife and children were his greatest joys in life, and he was happiest when surrounded by them. He was a proud father, always supporting his children's interests, always appearing at the soccer field as a coach, and always cheering as the biggest fan for each of his kids. He helped to establish the first travel soccer club on the island and organized the first annual Soccer by the Sea tournament, all while encouraging his children to love the game. He was known for his vast ballcap and tshirt collections, proudly displaying his children’s teams and colleges.

He was a creative chemist in the kitchen and truly showed his love through cooking. He always made sure there was a gourmet meal ready for us at home, even after a long day of work. A few of his most notable meals were his chicken caesar salad and award-winning chili. He was an undiscovered and versatile chef who enjoyed trying new recipes without fear. When not in the kitchen, he could be found on the back patio grilling great meals, listening to music, and making a fire in the chiminea - all to be enjoyed with his family. Over the years, his family grew to include six grandchildren whom he adored and cherished. He was endlessly generous with his time and his kind, gentle soul. Throughout the years, he lovingly took care of all of the family pets, including eight grand-dogs, even if he was allergic.

In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his five children: Allyson Kate Ellis and husband Michael of Summerville, SC, Katherine Elizabeth Kersey and husband Mack of Danville, KY, Kenneth Donald MacMurray and wife Kathleen of Atlanta, GA, Christopher

Thomas MacMurray and fiancé Frankie Schoning of Hilton Head Island, SC, and Juliette Rose MacMurray of Colorado Springs, CO; his brothers Timothy MacMurray (Wendy) and Gregory MacMurray (Brenda), sister Helen Ramsey, sister-in-law Corinne Antley, and many nieces and nephews. Chris is forever loved by his six grandchildren: Emily, Madelyn, and Jack Ellis; and Mack, Henry, and Molly Kersey. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his oldest brother Michael MacMurray and twin sister Deirdre Ryan.

Christopher MacMurray was also a warrior. Relentlessly, he battled Parkinson’s Disease and serious complications for longer than seven years. He stayed positive, never complained, and remained active. He enjoyed riding his recumbent bike for miles along the paths of Hilton Head, raising awareness and money for Parkinson’s. Chris will never be forgotten. He was a man who loved deeply, shared greatly, and worked passionately to provide the best for his family and all who knew him. In honor of his memory, we ask that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to help find a cure. Services will be held on Friday, July 10th at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Hilton Head Island, SC. A reception will follow the ceremony. All are welcome and encouraged to celebrate Chris and share stories.