Murray S. Simpson Jr. ’59

We lost one of our most enthusiastic and energetic classmates when complications of a stroke took Murray on July 28, 2020.

Murray spent his boyhood in Chevy Chase, Md., and attended Landon School, where he graduated cum laude. At Princeton he earned his varsity “P” as basketball manager, majored in psychology, and made his presence known at Cannon Club. After Murray married Cora Straughan in August 1959, the Simpsons settled into life at UVA Law School, where he earned a law degree and distinguished himself with election to the national law school honor society.

He joined the law firm of Sutherland Asbill & Brennan in Washington, D.C., and afterward became managing partner at Pope Ballard & Loos. When his father died, Murray’s career changed dramatically as he assumed presidency of his father’s company, Super Concrete. That business, with its additions, was sold to a British construction materials company of which Murray became executive vice president for U.S. operations. He also served as president of the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association from 1994 to 1997.

Murray gave unselfishly of his time to community organizations and to Princeton, serving as chairman for our 30th reunion and six times as housing chairman.

Murray is survived by his wife, Cora; sons Walker and Scott; a brother; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. We have sent condolences.