Grayson Murray’s celebration of life attended by his fiancée and more

The life of Grayson Murray was celebrated with a moving, emotional tribute in his hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina.

Family and friends of the deceased golfer – who died by suicide on May 25 at the age of 30 – gathered at Raleigh’s Providence Church to tell stories and remember Murray’s legacy.

The ceremony began with a slideshow of photos from Murray’s life, followed by a performance of “Lift High the Cross,” with Murray’s body brought in through a casket decorated with white flowers.

Dave Owena pastor in Providence and a friend of Murray, opened the spoken remarks by quoting several Bible passages before introducing the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jacob Slavin.

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Jacob Slavin

A devoted fan of the NHL’s Hurricanes, Murray’s celebration of life included an appearance by 30-year-old Slavin, one of the team’s biggest stars.

Slavin began by sharing a text conversation he had with Murray shortly before his death.

“A few weeks ago I was texting Grayson,” Slavin said. “We were still in the play-offs. He was enthusiastic for us and had complete confidence in us, even when we were 3-0 down in a series against Rangers.”

Slavin explained how the exchange came about during an upswing in Murray’s golf career, but he still managed to use his religion to center himself.

“He had just gotten a top-10 finish in the tournament he was competing in,” Slavin noted. “He said his focus that week was just on humility. I had told him that Jesus was all about humility. His response to me was, “Bro, Jesus is everything. He is eternity. ”

Slavin continued, “We had a little bit of exchanging back and forth. Then he said, “I say that life on earth is a preparation for the real celebration. Let us enjoy while Jesus has put us here for this short time, but recognize that He has a purpose for us while we are here. To influence people.’”

Ted Kiegiel

Murray’s longtime coach and friend Ted Kiegiel then went to the podium and acknowledged how Murray battled alcoholism during his senior year.

“From the spring of ’23 to the spring of ’24, sobriety was part of Grayson’s life,” Kiegiel said. “When that cleansing took place for him, a veil actually fell over his eyes. He was a completely different person. He was in full swing. Everything in his life was right.”

Kiegiel discussed guiding Murray to his first Masters appearance in April and how, despite the hard-earned career achievement, he experienced it with his fiancée, Christiana Ritchiethat made Murray the happiest.

As he left the course, Kiegel recalled Murray saying, “You know what the best part of this week was? The best day of this week was Wednesday, when I spent the day with Christiana.”

“He was so selfless,” Kiegiel said, choking up. “That meant everything to him.”

As Ritchie sat in the front row, Kiegiel told her, “He cared about you so much.”

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Best friend from childhood

Murray’s childhood best friend, Austin, then took the stage for a heartbreaking speech. “I wrote his best man speech a month ago,” he said, “and now I’m writing his eulogy.”

Austin shared countless memories of his decades-long friendship with Murray, whom he met in second grade.

While talking about being there for some of Murray’s biggest career milestones, Austin shared that being there for his friend during his dark times when he was “mentally not present” meant even more.

“Part of me looks back on my life and wonders if God put me on this earth for part of my life, but most of his life,” Austin said as he fought back tears. “For him to have a shoulder to lean on, to talk to, to be someone to help him find purpose when some days he didn’t have one.”

Austin also shared more recent memories, calling 2023 “one of Grayson’s best years.”

“He finally felt confident after losing weight, simplifying his life and putting alcohol aside,” Austin said. “Hit the weights, find yourself, be happy, love life. Finding his purpose, loving golf again. I love his phenomenal parents.”

As he concluded his eulogy, Austin said he hoped the ceremony would be proof that Murray’s life had meaning, something he himself often struggled to believe.

“Grayson ran the twelve laps,” Austin said. “He has gone the distance with his mental battle. Grayson told me that in his last days, in his bedroom, he felt like no one cared about him. I told him that there were so many people who loved him, so many people who supported him non-stop and that he should never give up.

He continued, “I told myself last week that I would do everything in my power to make sure all the people who had supported him over the years showed up. To prove him wrong. Grayson, I hope you find peace in looking down and knowing that you were truly loved.

Family friend Jeff Maness

Friend of the Murray family Jeff Maness talked about helping Murray’s parents Erik And Terry bring their son’s body back from Murray’s Florida home, calling it “one of the most moving experiences I’ve ever had.”

“When we were in Florida, we were very busy,” Maness said. “If anyone has to learn to work, he has to stand next to Terry Murray. She’s incredible. I see a lot of heads nodding.”

He continued: “It’s incredible how focused and strong she is. While the men wrapped around her were crying on our knees, she lifted us up. Made us strong.”

Jake Owen

Country music star Jake Owena friend of Murray’s, took the stage for a rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”

Before his performance, Owen called Murray “one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever received in my life.”

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