Murray Mendel Silver

For all whose lives were touched by Murray Silver, the memories are unforgettable. His life fully lived with boundless energy and passion is one that is not just remembered but felt. Murray's enduring legacy will forever reside in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have known him.

Murray graduated from Benedictine Military School, in 1947; Armstrong Junior College in 1951; and University of Georgia Law School in 1953, when he entered the private practice of law. He served as General Counsel of the Georgia Department of Labor from 1968-70 and will be remembered as a renowned criminal defense lawyer who attained the highest degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

He authored two books about his two dads: "This Bo Peep Ain't No Fairy Tale," a loving tribute to his father, the legendary Wolfe Silver; and "Daddy King and Me," about his unique personal and professional relationship with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr.

Murray will also be remembered for

Serving in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and

Serving as president of B'nai Brith in 1956, and

Organizing Little League baseball in Savannah in 1955 and winning City championships as Coach of teams sponsored by Starland Dairies, First Federal Bank and Chatham Steel, and

Promoting boxing matches in Savannah, Brunswick and Atlanta, during which he discovered a young school teacher moonlighting as a boxer named Henry Matthews and managed him from his first pro fight all the way to a challenge for the US Light Heavyweight crown vs Bob Foster, and

Promoting rock concerts in partnership with his oldest son in Atlanta from 1969-80, bringing many future supergroups to the city for the first time, including Fleetwood Mac, the Grateful Dead, John Mayall, Sonny & Cher, Richard Harris, Billy Preston, and

Breeding and racing thoroughbred race horses, and

Serving as legal counsel and close personal friend to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Sr and Mrs. Coretta Scott King and her children, and

Serving as a member of the founding board of directors of the Martin Luther King Jr Center for Non-Violent Social Change from its inception until the death of Mrs. King, and

Serving as legal counsel and finance chairman for the political campaigns of the Hon. Andrew Young, and

Being appointed to a judgeship by the Hon. Andrew Young.

Murray was preceded in death by his father Wolfe Silver, mother Catherine Mendel Silver, brother Julian Silver; his wife of 73 years, Barbara Kahn Silver, who passed only 86 days ago, and daughter in law Cristina Piva Silver (Murray Jr.)

Murray is survived by his sons Murray Jr. and Eric (Joan Blake Silver); brother Dr. Stanley Silver, and sister Kay Silver, numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Tim Ansley, Robert Anthony, Nancy & Woody Brown, the staff of Magnolia Manor, and so many wonderful caregivers for their care of both Barbara and Murray Silver.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests a donation be made in memory of Murray Silver to Benedictine Military School.

Graveside service at Bonaventure Cemetery, Friday Oct 25 (Wolfe Silver's birthday) at 11 am. Rabbi Robert Hass officiating.