Rev. Stanley A. Murray, age 71, husband of Martha B. "Marty" (Bowman) Murray, of Royersford, PA, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at home. Born on May 23, 1949 in Montpelier, VT, he was a son of the late Sherwood C. and Helen C. (Corry) Murray.

Stan was born on the City Side Farm in Montpelier, VT. As a boy, he tended to many farm chores, while being a member of the local 4-H Club and taking great pride in his horse named Patches. He enjoyed piano lessons, attended the local schools in Montpelier, and graduated from the Montpelier High School in 1967, where he was active in the drama department. He obtained his Bachelors degree in 1971 from Eastern Baptist College, and would receive his Master of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, now called Palmer Seminary, in Philadelphia in 1979. Between college and seminary, Stan worked as an Admissions Counselor at Eastern College for 6 years. In 2016, Stan was awarded Alumnus of the Year at Eastern College.

Rev. Murray completed his Pastoral Internship at the Upper Merion Baptist Church, from which he and his wife were commissioned by American Baptist Churches, International Ministries, as Missionaries. Beginning in 1979, Stan and Marty moved to Toyko, Japan to study the language for two years. For the next 20 years, they lived in Okinawa, Japan, where their work as missionaries included planting churches, assisting existing churches with their programs, working with young adults, and supporting the local pastors. While in Okinawa, his love of the beach and water lead him to learn and enjoy scuba diving. He also sang in a barber shop quartet, rode a motorcycle, and did lots of gardening. One month of each summer was spent in the family cabin at Lake Nojiri.

Stan became proficient in Japanese. He could speak fluently and could even do simultaneous translation. Part of his work, while in Japan, was that of negotiator and peacemaker. Considered a Statesman, he negotiated with the U.S. State Department regarding Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

In 2000, he returned to the home office of the American Baptist Churches USA, and became the Area Director for Southeast Asia and Japan, retiring in 2016. It was also in 2000 that he joined the Royersford Baptist Church, where he served on several committees, sang in the choir, and on occasion would preach. Following his retirement, the family bought a motor home, and traveled the entire U.S. several times. While in the U.S., he was a member of the Christian Artist Singers.

In total, Stan traveled to 49 different countries, making countless friends along the way. Many remember Stan for his joke telling and saying of puns. Family gatherings were very special to him. With his tremendous spirit and winning personality, he never met a stranger, and was loved by all that knew him.

Rev. Murray is survived by four children, Christopher J. Murray of Colorado Springs, CO, Timothy D.-M. Miyamoto of Kaneohe, HI, Sarah E. Murray of Royersford, PA, and Katherine M., wife of Henry P. Shannon of Cincinnati, OH; three grandchildren, Ceili A.E. Blessley, Jacob J. Murray, and Alexander J. Murray; one sister-in-law, Cheryl G. Murray of Frisco, TX; eight nieces, seven nephews, and their families; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Raymond S. Murray, and Sylvia E. Murray.

A funeral service will be held at a later date at the Royersford Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the American Baptist Churches International Ministries, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482. Condolences may be made by visiting www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Cattermole - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Royersford, Pennsylvania.