Rodrick Todd Murray

Please click here to view live-streaming of the Funeral Service beginning at 3:00pm EST on Saturday, August 1st.

Rodrick Todd Murray
May 1972- July 2020

Son, father, husband, friend, research pioneer, SCD patient advocate, international broadcast professional

As the sun set on July 23, 2020, God called Rodrick home to rest with the angels. Rodrick Todd Murray, son of Edwin and Shirlene Murray was born on May 18, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. Rodrick dedicated his life to Christ at his home church of Austin Church of Christ in Chicago. He attended Oak Park River Forest High School in Chicago and later attended Winston-Salem State University, home of the Mighty Mighty Rams. There he met his first wife, Crystal Rice, and they later had two beautiful children, Rodrick II and Erykah. Also, while at WSSU he began his lifetime membership with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, when he crossed the burning sands along with his brothers on the Pantheon line in the fall of 1993. While on line, he was given the name “Hermes”, which means “god of messenger”. His Alpha legacy lives on through his son, Rodrick II, AKA “Phreezah” and his bonus son, Kam Morgan, AKA “Apollo”.  

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications, Rodrick was selected to work at the Voice of America in Washington, DC.  At VOA, he became an internationally known radio broadcaster and host of the show Hip Hop Connections. Rodrick and the HHC team reached more than one hundred million listeners internationally. This career path enabled him to travel to various parts of Africa, Europe, and throughout the United States. Rodrick married his current wife, Jenise, in 2005 and they built a beautiful life together traveling the world interviewing prominent figures and celebrities. He retired from Voice of America after 17 years and he continued his love of music and gift of gab by creating and hosting podcasts, one titled the “Rod Murray Music Show” (RMMS) where he wrote commentary, interviewed local and international talent, and played various genres of music, the other, with his cousin titled “Casual Convo with Rod and Shon”. 

He was a phenomenal DJ, who enjoyed offering his talent and time to family, friends, and local school events. He loved football and was the Commissioner of the family and friends Fantasy Football league. He was a dedicated Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching his son play high school and college football. In addition, he made it a point to attend his daughters track meets and her choral recitals. He loved taking long drives and attending the D.C. Auto show year after year. He loved to dance and was affectionately known as “Hot Rod”. He enjoyed spending time in his garden growing flowers, so that his wife would have something beautiful to come home to everyday.

Rodrick led his life through scripture. Some of the other churches where he felt at home were College Park Church of Christ, Carver Road Church of Christ, and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. And each of these church homes provided spiritual support and love.

Rod was a fighter and a trailblazer. He always did things in a “big” way. He exemplified this by being the first person in the United States with sickle cell disease to undergo an experimental gene therapy transplant. This contribution has forever changed the course of sickle cell disease. His participation in this clinical trial, did aid in a cure for sickle cell disease, therefore future recipients of the transplant may have a better chance of living sickle cell free. He was later interviewed for his participation in the clinical trial in the “First in Human” Discovery documentary at the NIH Clinical Center.  As an advocate, Rodrick has been a panelist and presented on the importance of sickle cell disease patient advocacy at several conferences for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America and the Maryland Sickle Cell Disease Association.

Music drove his heart and soul. And his life was full of love for his children, his wife, his family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving parents, Edwin and Shirlene Murray; his devoted wife, Jenise; his wonderful son, Rodrick II; and beautiful daughter, Erykah. Rodrick loved and had so much support from all of his uncles, aunts, and cousins. Rodrick’s life will also be remembered by his fraternity brothers, lifelong friends, the “J Crew”, all the friends that he has made in the music industry, and the staff members that took special care of him at the National Institutes of Health. We are truly thankful and grateful to everyone for your support and love.