David Thomas Murray

It has been said, "There is a purpose for everyone you meet Some people come into your life to bring out the very best in you." Without question, David Thomas Murray brought out the best in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
David was born to Dave and Sis on January 4, 1981. His mom remembers him as a happy, easygoing baby. Even from a young age, he showed kindness, authenticity, protectiveness, and selflessness-qualities he carried with him throughout his life. As a child, David thrived in soccer and baseball. During his teenage years, he was rarely seen without his brother, Brian, and his best friend, Adam Gibson-together, the trio was inseparable. Some of his most cherished memories were playing baseball and football as an Atwater Falcon and riding dirt bikes and motorcycles.
David's connection to Pismo Beach began when he was just 6 weeks old, a place that would hold special meaning for him throughout his life. In 2007, David went on a camping trip to Pismo, unaware that he was about to meet his soulmate. His wife, Hillary, recalls, "As soon as I saw that man, I knew I wanted to get to know him." True to David's nature, his charming smile and warm demeanor drew them together over a shared beer on the dunes. From that day forward, his protective nature and easygoing way captured Hillary's heart. Their friendship grew into a soul-deep connection, and David loved her fiercely and without reservation.
David's protective spirit was a constant throughout his life. On so many of those rides at Pismo, he always stayed at the back, watching over everyone else to make sure they were safe. His love for those around him was evident in this constant vigilance. Whether in a room at home or out with family and friends, David would always position himself so that he could see the door, making sure no one was ever caught off guard. His attentiveness to the safety and well-being of those he loved was unmatched, and it was one of the many ways he showed how deeply he cared.
When David and Hillary welcomed their son, Thomas, in 2012, David discovered a depth of love within himself he never knew existed. Watching Hillary become a mother and stepping into his own role as a father gave him a sense of purpose that only deepened with the births of sons James in 2015 and Sean in 2018. David led his boys with strength and integrity, always devoted to them. His selflessness and commitment to his family never wavered.
As the boys grew older and followed in their dad's footsteps in sports, David was always there-never missing a practice or a game. He took great joy in helping them improve their skills, whether it was batting, catching, footwork, or their golf swing, and he showed them what it means to be a team player. At the boys' games, David could always be found chatting with old friends and starting conversations with new ones. Even in the final two weeks of his life, David was at the sidelines, cheering his boys on. We know he will continue to do so in Heaven, the loudest and proudest cheerleader the world has ever seen.
David also took great pride in his work in construction. Alongside his father and brother, he helped build many homes in the local community, and his meticulous attention to detail was evident in every project. Humble by nature, David found fulfillment in completing each task and crafting something lasting.
David's determination to cherish every moment served him well through his fight. Rather than focus on his diagnosis, he chose a positive outlook that remained with him until his final farewell. His last days were spent at home, surrounded by those he loved most. He departed gently on March 20, 2025.
David's legacy lives on the many loved ones who surrounded him- his wife, Hillary; sons, Thomas, James, and Sean; father Dave Murray; mother Sis (Mike) Parisot; brother Brian (Jaimie) Murray; stepsisters Cindy (Robby) Reyes and Julie (Kevin) Cook; father-in-law Shawn Anderson; brother-in-law Erik (Sarah) Anderson; and sister-in-law Katie (Cody) Robinson. He is also survived by nieces Emery and Avery Murray; nephew Bryant Murray; nephews Seth and Caleb Reyes; niece Faith Reyes; nephew Colton Cook; nieces Samantha, Ashlyn, and Abigail Anderson; and nephews Dillon, Clayton, and Hunter Robinson, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. David also made a lasting impact on countless friends who will forever feel his absence.
David has undoubtedly been reunited with those who passed before him, including his grandmothers Phyllis Glass and Alice Shuford; grandfathers Tom Murray, Don Glass, and William Cassaday; aunt Melissa Bakker; aunt Karen Jantz; and mother-in-law Sarah Anderson.
Known for bringing people together and welcoming everyone with open arms, the Murray family invites all who loved David to join them for a memorial gathering at the Buhach Pentecost Hall on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The service will begin at 2:00 pm and will include fellowship, stories, and, in David's words, "food to soak up the beer." Please come as you are and bring a story to share. If you choose, feel free to bring a side dish or dessert.
In honor of David's memory, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a youth sports organization of your choice, reflecting his passion for supporting young athletes and fostering community.
David's guiding mindset may not always have been spoken aloud, but it is summed up in these words: "On your best days, you learn confidence. On your worst days, you learn persistence. There is always something to learn."
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