Santa Maria resident Edward Joseph Murray III, the inspiration behind his brother’s classic golf movie “Caddyshack,” has died.
But to those in the Santa Maria Valley, Murray was known for his volunteer work in the community, which included serving up humor as the master of ceremonies at fundraisers, earning him recognition in 2016.
He died Monday at age 76.
“Named after the family patriarch, it was Ed who introduced the Murray family to this wonderful game of golf — by way of caddying at Indian Hills Country Club — at the age of 10, no less. (They don’t make ‘em like that anymore),” according to an Instagram post by William Murray Golf, the family’s golf apparel company.
Murray, born the oldest of the brothers who grew up in the Chicago area, received the Evans Scholarship given to golf caddies in 1963, while attending Northwestern University.
The family storyline inspired the Danny Noonan character in the 1980 film “Caddyshack,” when brother Brian Doyle-Murray co-wrote that iconic screenplay. Their brother, Bill Murray, appeared in the film as the groundskeeper hunting a pesky gopher.
“Ed and all five Murray brothers are members of the Caddie Hall of Fame as well — something all the boys take pride in, as this game helped shape their lives,” the statement said. “His loss is a hole that will never be filled.
“Thank you for always being so gracious, Ed.”
On Facebook, the Santa Maria-based Sunny Country 102.5 FM radio station also remembered Murray as one of the original owners “and an overall wonderful human being.”
“The fact is, there would be no Sunny Country 102.5 if it weren’t for Ed. He was a compassionate soul and a friend to many. The impact that he has made on this world will endure forever.”
In 2016, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce presented Murray with the Robert P. Hatch Citizen of the Year Award.
Murray, a retired stockbroker, was recognized for his years of service to the community, including his frequent stints as the master of ceremonies at events.
“My dad, he’s totally deserving of this,” his son, Eddie Murray, said at the time. “He’s pushed a lot of our clients and friends to give when they did not want to give. There’s a lot of things built in this community that are built because he pushed, and we owe a lot to him.”
Murray’s community service locally began when he was called to help with a celebrity golf tournament, recruiting actors including brother Bill, John Candy and others.
The 40-year Santa Maria resident also was active with Court Appointed Special Advocates, working with several youths who came from families where violence and disrespect were common.
His master of ceremonies gigs propelled Murray directly into roles as president of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley and the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.
His parents, who had nine children in all, instilled the importance of community service by being involved in various organizations, Murray said.
“You want to feel like you’ve left something and you did something for the good of the community,” Murray told Noozhawk in 2016. “I feel like I’ve done it and passed it on to my kids, just like my dad and mom passed it on to me.”
He is survived by his wife, Lisa, children, grandchildren and siblings.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, Crematory and Memorial Gardens.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.