By Godfrey Lee

A Celebration of Life service was held for Reginald “Reggie” Murray on Friday, Nov. 15, at the Cornerstone Community Church in Marin City.

The community came and filled the church to celebrate the life of Murray, who many knew as a “humble servant of God.”

He died unexpectedly on Oct. 24 of natural causes, according to the funeral program.

Murray was born in San Francisco on Dec. 17, 1970, to Florence and James Murray, and was raised in Marin City, where he attended and was baptized at Peoples Inter-Cities Fellowship Church.

Murray attended Bayside Elementary and Martin Luther King Jr. High and graduated from Redwood High School in Larkspur. He then studied Communication at Cuesta Junior College in San Luis Obispo, CA, and Alabama State University in Birmingham.

Murray developed an extended relationship with the Tiburon Christian Fellowship Church in Larkspur and Rev. Dr. Jerry Buckner. He became a radio announcer on KFAX’s “Contending For the Faith,” where, alongside Buckner, Murray “was often called upon to counsel and console call-in listeners.”

A talented actor and comedian, Murray performed in countless plays and events in Marin City and County. He also sang, up to his death, with the choir at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City, pastored by Rev. Floyd Thompson.

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Here are excerpts of the tributes that Murray’s family shared in the program.

“In your passing, I am touched by the profound impact of your life, legacy, and memory. Many people knew you, but I was blessed to know you simply as Dad. There was nothing you wouldn’t do for me,” wrote Gianna.

“What stands out most in my memories of you is your incredible generosity. You were always ready to give your time and love to others, often without anyone needing to ask. I will cherish the moments from my childhood that we shared…You always had such a calming and level-headed presence, and I am often told by others that I inherited this quality from you,” wrote Alyssa.

“The real lessons, the ones that mattered most, you taught without saying a word. I saw it in the way you moved through life, in the way you carried yourself.  I saw it in how you treated folks, never caring where they came from nor what they had. You held yourself to a high standard, and I watched and wanted to be like you,” wrote Jahmanz.

“I am so grateful and proud of the faith you held close. When you rededicated yourself to the Lord and stepped into the role of a Deacon, it was a moment that made my heart soar with joy…I will never forget that day we were asked to sing a duet at your church. It was such a beautiful moment, and one I will treasure forever,” wrote his mother Florence Murray Williams.

Reggie leaves behind to cherish his memory four children: Alyssa (Greg) Evans, Gianna Murray, Chris Murray, and Nacaea Wess; his mother, Florence Murray Williams; brother, Jahmanz Williams; stepfather, Robert Williams; his aunt, Mildred Edordu; his uncle Gary Houston; grandmother, Mama Dee Dee Paris; granddaughter Avery and a large family of other close relatives and friends. His father, James Murray preceeded him in death.

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Oscar Carl Wright was born on July 25, 1923, on the Smith Plantation near Clarksdale, Mississippi. One of 11 children, he excelled academically and athletically, graduating as a class speaker from Coahoma Agricultural High School in 1942. He passed away at age 101, on Nov. 18.

A U.S. Army sergeant during World War II, he later earned a degree in Building Construction from Alcorn A&M College, igniting his lifelong mission to uplift the African American/Black community and improve education for our children.

Wright co-founded the first Black Boy Scout Troop and Credit Union in Mississippi, served as a union leader, and was a pivotal figure after he moved to Oakland, California, where he advocated for civil rights, education reform, and community improvement.

He was a founding member of several initiatives, including the African American Education Task Force and the Police Review Board and was president of the Emeryville NAACP. One of his greatest joys was launching the African American Honor Roll.

A devoted husband, father, and leader, Oscar’s legacy lives on through his family, the communities he inspired, and his unwavering commitment to justice and equity.

“It’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s about the children.” – Oscar C. Wright.

A memorial service for Mr. Wright will be held on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Acts Full Gospel at 1034 66^th Ave. in Oakland, CA. Visit www.OscarCWright.org for more information and streaming of the funeral service.

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Larry Sims passed away on Thursday, Aug. 29 surrounded by his loved ones in Oakland, California. He was 81

Affectionatey know as ‘Papa,’ Larry was born on Dec. 8, 1942, in DeWitt, Arkansas to Arthur “Buddy” Sims and Para Lee McCoy. He moved to California with his family in 1951. Larry graduated from Oakland High School, in 1961, marrying his high school sweetheart, Joyce Leonard, in 1962. They raised two children, Darnell, and Deborah.

Larry enjoyed family camping trips to Yosemite. He also enjoyed all types of sporting events and loved all the Bay Area teams. An avid Oakland Raider fan, he held season tickets for years and would attend games with family and friends.

Larry attended the Oakland A’s World Series Games from 1972 through 1974. Over the years, Larry became a diehard 49er fan and had no problem wearing his 49er gear while attending a Raiders game in L.A.

He was also passionate about airplanes. Larry took flying lessons and received his private pilot license. He also enjoyed going to see the Blue Angels every time they came to town.

After his divorce, Larry met Leona Davis. They dated, fell in love, and married in 1987. Through this union, Larry gained a daughter, Sandra, aka Sadaqa, from Leona’s previous marriage.

Later, as Larry and Leona became empty nesters, they embarked on parenthood once more by raising their grandson, Christopher. Larry joined the Frito-Lay organization and worked there until his retirement. He received the company’s top award, The Ring of Honor, along with numerous other awards.

During his free time, Larry loved entertaining at his home, especially playing card games, such as bid whist. He enjoyed Leona’s singing and playing. Larry remained devoted to Leona until her passing in January 2013. He was heartbroken.

Since 1979, Larry was a faithful member of Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church. Larry was devoted to his Bible studies. He would read scripture and give advice to all who needed it. Larry volunteered with the Vacation Bible Camp and drove the church van to the retreat.

Also, he was a member of the Forever Young Group. Larry volunteered for several positions in the church over the years, but his true passion was the sound room. He joined the sound room in the 1980s and managed the sound room from 2005 until 2023. Larry left an impression on everyone he met. He was fun-loving, caring, funny, compassionate, friendly, and loved his family.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Susan; his brothers, Wilbert, Sylvester, and Ronnie; and his spouse, Leona. He leaves behind: his son, Darnell (Sheila), his daughters, Deborah, and Sandra and his grandson/son, Christopher; his grandchildren; Brandon, Joyce, McKinsey, Anthony, Racheal, Jai‘Lynn, Angelnay, Dae’Len, and Braylon; his great-grandchildren; Jai, Jayce, Jaxon, Jay’el and Sincere. In addition, he leaves to mourn his sister, Renee Muckeroy, his brother, Leslie “Micky” Sims, his former wife and close friend, Joyce Sims, a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and his Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church community.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland.

A viewing will be held on Sept. 19 from 5-6 p.m. at Fouche Hudson Funeral Home, 3665 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to either LABC Scholarship Fund or LABC Hunger Task Force.

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