Remembering David McMurry

Chamber's Statement:

It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the passing of David McMurry. 

A gentle giant that would fill any room he was in with his kindness, David was a longtime member of the Nashville LGBT Chamber serving as a board member, programs committee chair, and volunteer committee chair. 

David was most connected to the Chambers connection event, he was a constant at Brewing Up Business. He helped organize and plan them when he was a board member, finding new and exciting member locations to highlight while bringing in other members that could be spotlighted at the same time. He was a smiling and welcoming face when you entered the event, never forgetting your name after he met you and having your nametag ready for you. He would then work the room talking to all guests and connecting people to each other. His childhood friend and fellow board member Amy Parker was always nearby, and the two made sure everyone had a good laugh. 

David was no stranger to volunteer and community service. In addition to serving on the Chamber board, he also served on the board of Nashville Pride, the HRC Nashville steering committee, board member for Neighbor 2 Neighbor, Nashville Music City Center board member, past board president for the Madison Chamber of Commerce, and ran for Metro Council in 2019. 

His devotion and passion for service and giving back will be missed as much as his smile and goofy jokes. We mourn the loss of our friend and send our thoughts and condolences to his family.

From Our Community:

Board President Ron Snitker: Such sad news. He was a bright light to all who knew him. He was committed to his communities and worked tirelessly. His gentle and smooth vocal tone was second to none. He is missed dearly.

Board Vice President Greg Cason: Such a loss to our community! I had the pleasure of speaking with him Saturday morning for three hours!!! In true David fashion, he was always willing to help and contribute where he could! His warm and inviting spirit transcends any negativity that would exist! My heart is sadden by this loss and I will be praying for his family and friends!

Board Member Mac Huffington: David McMurray was a kind and gentle soul that exhibited his love and devotion for family, friends and the Community each and every day. He was a good friend to me.  

He always had a kind word, motivational actions and inspirational talks.  It was a joy to hear his voice anytime we talked.  He was warm, loving and sooooo supportive. He was a Light that shined Bright in my heart and in the Community. He will be truly missed. There are no words to describe the hurt and pain I am feeling in my heart and soul. I am speechless and heart broken to day to have lost a loving and caring friend

Board Member Donna Drehmann: This is such sad news.  I echo everyone's comments about his kind heart, wide smile and passion for making sure everyone around him was doing well.  I always looked forward to doing 'Check In' at our Chamber events when I knew I would be partnered with David.  I felt lucky to have him to myself even if it was only for 30 minutes.  My heart is heavy.  

Board Member Terry Vo: David was a gem in so many ways. I was fortunate to serve on the Chamber Board with David. I watched him execute Brewing Up Business with such finesse. He welcomed me with open arms to the Chamber and we became friends. This past weekend, he took time to congratulate me on the exciting future of the Chamber. I am going to miss his smile, positive words, and championing spirit. He cared about people. He cared about his community. He cared about making the world a better place. Thank you David for being such an amazing human. My heart is broken.

Former CEO Lisa Howe: I am beyond sad to hear this news. David McMurry was a selfless volunteer. He lit up a room. He made everyone smile. He would do anything for a friend, his community, and a beloved cause. His community was huge, because he was a friend to so many. David will be missed by Nashville and beyond. RIP, sweet friend.

Former Board Member Amy Parker: I cannot thank Joe enough for reaching out to me last night and posting these wonderful words to honor my friend of almost 30 years. It just doesn’t seem real that the world has lost such an incredible soul. I’ve share so many wonderful memories with David over the years and can honestly say that the ones spent doing Chamber work may be my favorite. 

Former Board Member Kanitha Pope: Wow, this is indeed sad news. What an incredible man, servant, and spirit we've lost. Sending love and peace.

Former Board Member Bob Rehley: I got to know David through our mutual involvement with various community organizations, including the Nashville LGBT Chamber Board. We were fast friends but I think that was true of everyone who ever met David, he was just that kind of wonderful person. We're all sad to lose him, what a great man and asset to our community.

Steve Smotherman: David was a kind, gentle, giant who always had a warm greeting. His kindness could always be counted on every time our paths crossed. Our world just got a little dimmer with his passing and I will always remember him with a smile.

Beth Cummings: I am so heartbroken hearing the news of David’s passing. He was such a bright spot in our lives and impacted so many. Even though I hadn’t seen him in person in a while we chatted often and I looked forward to his daily inspiration posts. Thank you so much for letting us know. Sending lots of love to those who are hurting right now. Please let me know if there is anything I can do during this time.

Selena Haynes: David always made you feel at home at the chamber events. I had just spoken with him this past weekend. It's surreal. I offer my most heart-felt sympathy to everyone, especially those who were very close.

From HRC Nashville:

The HRC Nashville Steering Committee is mourning the loss of David McMurry. He joined our committee shortly after his run for City Council in 2019. His leadership to launch the inaugural Beers 4 Equality event at East Nashville Beer Works and his support of the Nashville Equality Dinner were vital to HRC’s success within the community. He was a beloved member and always brought a smile to every committee meeting. His energy was vivacious and his kindness knew no bounds. His love and humility will be something the committee will always cherish, and we will always remember his dedication to the Nashville community. 

Former HRC Nashville Governor Eric A. Patton remarked, “David was recruited to the committee because of his strong work ethic and was one of the most humble and kind humans I ever knew. He was a great friend and a dedicated and thoughtful public servant. This city has lost one of its best, most kind hearts. David was a truly dedicated gentleman who lived to make Nashville a better, more inclusive place. He will be deeply missed.” 

Meredith Fortney, Board of Governors for HRC Nashville remembers David’s eagerness to get involved and his enthusiasm for connecting the local community to support LGBTQ+ progress. ‘He was a kind soul who wanted nothing more than to make Nashville the most inclusive place for the LGBTQ+ community. Nashville’s light is dimmer tonight without him.’ 

“David was a kind, beautiful soul. He was always motivating me and uplifting me. He had a way of knowing when my spirits were down, and would always reach out with words of encouragement and offers for trips for coffee to talk. His advocacy, dedication, and love for our community showed in everything he did and every interaction he had.” Dakerri Rhone, Board of Governors for HRC Nashville reflects on her relationship with McMurry. “He was a huge inspiration to me and I am so honored to have called him friend. He will be dearly missed. We will keep his memory and legacy alive and continue to fight for LGBTQ+ equality. I love you friend.”

Brittney Garr, Board of Governors for HRC Nashville also shares that “David was one of the gentlest souls you could ever meet! He had a way of lifting your soul without even saying a word. It was never a question of how something was going to get done or who- He was already on it. His love for the LGBTQ+ community and his support to the movement was unwavering. His knowledge, his love, and his pure spirit will be missed. We will remember you as we continue to fight this fight. Nashville will never be the same; He will always be our Angel! 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to our community for this loss.

From Neighbor 2 Neighbor:

N2N MOURNS THE PASSING OF BOARD MEMBER DAVID MCMURRY

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our good friend and Board Member David McMurry.

For those of you who did not know David, he was an amazing spirit -- always looking for the positive and always ready with a helping hand.

David loved Madison. He served as Board Member and President of The Madison - Rivergate Area Chamber of Commerce. He was founder and convenor of Madison Mondays -- a monthly networking group that connected Madisonians with important community resources. He ran for public office and worked on countless projects to support the community he loved.

David was out and proud. He cared for his LGBTQ sisters and brothers and supported the community. He served on the Board of Directors for the LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Pride. Most recently he joined the Steering Committee for HRC Nashville.

David was passionate about Neighbor 2 Neighbor. He served as the Madison Representative to our Board of Directors, and recently became Chair of our Marketing and Development Committee. David worked hard to connect his Madison neighbors with our organization. We are thankful for his outstanding leadership, friendship, guidance and positive spirit. He will be greatly missed by the everyone here at Neighbor 2 Neighbor

Jim Hawk, Executive Director

From Nashville Pride:

We at Nashville Pride are deeply saddened by the passing of Board Member and friend David McMurry. David was committed to giving back to Nashville and the  LGBTQ+ community in any way possible. Board member Dakerri Rhone shared that “his passion and love for Nashville and the LGBTQ+ community was undeniable,” and those who knew him would agree.

In addition to his board service since 2018, and serving as the co-chair of our Volunteer committee, David gave of his time serving on the Nashville LGBT Chamber Board as well as the HRC Nashville Steering Committee. 

“David McMurray was a kind and gentle soul that exhibited his love and devotion for family, friends and the Community each and every day. He was a good friend to me,” said Vice President, Mac Huffington. “He was warm, loving and so supportive. He was a light that shined bright in my heart and in the Community.”

Those who knew David remember him as someone with an ever-present, infectious smile, who was willing to lend a helping hand, and who was prepared at any time to lift your spirits if you were having a tough time. We are deeply grateful for our time with David, and for all he gave to this community. Our hearts are with his friends and family during this difficult time. His passing is an incredible loss to the Nashville LGBTQ+ community. 

“When asked, I jumped at the opportunity to serve on the Nashville Pride Board. While our Pride celebrations include incredible expressions of life, love and family. We live with Pride every day of the year and I am honored to be a voice in growing that energy for our city.”

– David McMurry