Mr. Douglas Reay Murdock's Obituary
Mr. Douglas Reay Murdock, Retired Building Official from the City of Gainesville died on May 26, 2023, at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, Florida.
He was born on January 30, 1943, in Melrose, MA. to Howard Hilton, and Harriette Connor Murdock.
Doug was employed with the City of Gainesville for 30 years beginning in maintenance and then as an electrical inspector. He was the Building Official for the City of Gainesville for 23 years.
Doug has the distinction of being a past president of the State Building Officials Association, ICC Director, SBCCI Director, Served on the Governor’s Commission on the Building Code that formed the Florida Building Code. Chair of the Board of Building Codes and Standards – the precursor to the Florida Building Commission. Served as Vice chair of the FBC, Structural Tac, Code Admin Tac and the Wind Ad Hoc Committee.
He implemented many innovations to provide better customer service and worked in real time with inspection results, reorganizing the City of Gainesville’s Building Division into a Department in 1989.
He served the local North Florida Chapter throughout his years at the City and held officer positions 1991-1995.
He then turned his service to the State where he served through the various offices from 1996 through his presidency and past president’s position ending in 1999. Doug was active with ICC, FFMIA, SBCCI, NFPA, IAEI, FHBA and the local Gainesville Builder’s Association. Doug received the Robert K. Becker Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
Doug loved his family and his career in the building industry. He enjoyed golf and anything to do with the University of Florida Gators, New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He was an avid reader. Doug graduated from Lynnfield High School Class of 61 and Curry College in 1966. He was a high school athlete and helped lead the class of 61 to State Championships in Football (quarterback) and Baseball (Pitcher, catcher). He and his team made history setting many school records.
Doug continued his love for sports throughout his life. He was a Florida High School Athletic Association Umpire. He was chosen for several post season championships. He was a charter member of Florida Collegiate Umpires and worked Santa Fe College and University of Florida games. He was a very popular member of this group and mentored many young baseball umpires. He coached Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football and City and County basketball leagues.
He was a finalist for the Naval Academy and served his country in the Navy. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.
His most treasured honor was being a son, brother, spouse, dad and papaw to his family. He found comfort with his beloved Hoppe.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Noretta S. Murdock; children, Mary Murdock, Robbie Murdock Sr. (Erin), and Douglas Howard Murdock (Courtney); sister, Leslie Hyatt (Tom); brothers, Richard Murdock (Pam), and Scott H. Murdock (Sue); grandchildren, Robbie Murdock Jr., Emma Murdock, Olive Reay Murdock, Carter Simpson Murdock, many nieces, nephews, and loving friends. His beloved dog “Hoppe"
A special thank you to Tina King, for her loving and continuous care during Doug's illiness. Words can not express our gratitude to her.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard, and Harriette Murdock.
A funeral service with military honors will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Williams-Thomas Westarea 823 N.W. 143rd Street Newberry, FL. with Debbie Hill.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or Haven Hospice at www.beyourhaven.org
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