McMurray Family Genealogy & History

Sam McMurray, born April 15, 1952, in New York City, is a renowned American actor celebrated for his roles in popular television series and films. He gained recognition for portraying Supervisor Patrick O'Boyle in "The King of Queens," Glen in the Coen Brothers' "Raising Arizona," and voicing Roy in "Dinosaurs." McMurray's extensive TV career includes appearances on "Friends," "Mom," "The Sopranos," and "Breaking Bad." He was also the first guest star on "The Simpsons," enhancing his visibility in the entertainment industry. His stage career includes notable performances in productions like "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Translations."

Sam McMurray was born to actors Jane (née Hoffman) and Richard McMurray. His stepmother was Lesley Woods. With Jewish roots from his mother and Irish heritage from his father, McMurray's diverse cultural background enriches his personal history. He is married to actress Elizabeth Collins, and they have two daughters, residing in Bell Canyon, California.

James Christopher McMurray, widely known as Jamie McMurray, is a former professional stock car racing driver and current NASCAR analyst for Fox NASCAR and CW. Born on June 3, 1976, McMurray is celebrated for his successful NASCAR Cup Series career, which spanned from 2003 to 2018, including notable wins like the 2010 Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 in the same year for Chip Ganassi Racing. He is one of only three drivers to achieve this feat in the same year. Known for his historic win in just his second career start at the UAW-GM Quality 500, McMurray also earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2003, showcasing his talent early in his career.

W. Grant McMurray served as the Prophet-President of Community of Christ from 1996 to 2004, marking a significant era for the church as its first leader who was not a descendant of Joseph Smith. Under his leadership, the church, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), was renamed to Community of Christ, emphasizing a Christ-centered theology of peace. McMurray was instrumental in fostering closer ties with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and presided over the historic ordination of the first female apostle in the Council of Twelve.

William Grant McMurray was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to RLDS Church members. His family relocated to Independence, Missouri, during his teenage years when his mother began working at the church headquarters. This move significantly influenced his future path in church leadership.

Margaret McMurray, who died around 1760, is recognized as one of the last native speakers of the Lowland dialect of Scottish Gaelic, specifically the Galloway variety, in Carrick. Her linguistic significance was noted in publications such as The Scotsman and the Daily Review, highlighting her as a cultural figure in Scottish Gaelic history. Residing near Maybole in South Ayrshire, McMurray's legacy contributes to the understanding of Gaelic's historical presence in the Lowland regions of Scotland.

Margaret McMurray was a representative of the elder branch of the McMurrays of Cultezron, a family with a long-standing presence in the region, possessing the farm for over 150 years. The McMurrays are connected to the Murphys and Morrows in Ireland and the Murchisons in the Scottish Highlands.