Matthew Ronald Murdock

Matthew Ronald Murdock, age 34, of Cumming, was unexpectedly taken from us May 20, 2011. He was born in Anaheim, California to his parents, Robin E. and Carolyn R. Murdock. At age 1 he moved with his parents and older sister, Nancie to the Northern California Bay Area where he lived for the next 30 years of his life. Matt was born with a sense of adventure and a love for the outdoors which led him to joining the high-adventure Boy Scout Troop 444 of Contra Costa County. Matt participated with his Dad, an Assistant Scout Leader, in several "50-milers", his backpacking trip through Yosemite and up Half Dome being one of his favorites. He loved to entertain his family and friends with stories of his scouting adventures, mishaps and the inevitable practical jokes boys play on each other. Matt stayed with scouting throughout high school eventually earning the highest honor of Eagle Scout. During these years, Matt also enjoyed camping and fishing with his family every summer. Matt played soccer and joined the Forest Park swim team. He later entered the 2 year Explorers program with the Contra Costa County Police Department to learn about law enforcement. He participated in ride alongs and assisted at DUI checkpoints. It was during this time that he began seriously considering a career as a Peace Officer. After high school however, Matt's interest in cars, and desire to work with his hands led him to the auto body repair business. He enthusiastically took many I-Car Collision Repair Training classes and more than once was described by friends and co-workers as "the best body repairman" they'd ever seen. Matt loved his line of work and could talk for hours about the cars he was working on and the strange, amazing, and oftentimes amusing things he'd see in the course of his work. Matt also had a soft spot for those in-need and was always willing to barter, trade, or donate his services and his time. Matt was deeply loyal to his friends and family. In 2007, he moved from California to Georgia to be nearer to his family. Matt grew to love living in the south and quickly established himself once again in the auto body business and began managing his subdivision's website. Matt spent many hours working with his Dad on the restoration of the family's 1965 Chevy Impala Super Sport and dreamed of taking it to car shows again. One of Matt's favorite holidays was the 4th of July and while living here was known for having one of the best fireworks displays in the neighborhood. His goal was to outdo himself every year and the results were on their way to becoming legendary. He loved classic cars, cookouts, and fireworks. His passing at such a young age leaves a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. Matt was preceded in death by his grandmother, Lois Arlyne Hentschel.

Survivors include his parents, Robin and Carolyn Murdock of Cumming: his sister, brother-in-law and neice, Nancie Wakefield, Adrian Wakefield, and Emily Wakefield of Cumming: Grandfather and namesake, Ronald B. Hentschel of Antioch, CA: aunt and uncle, Christine and Greg Jessup of Oakley, CA: Linda and Mike Stephens of Yuba City, CA: uncle Ron D'Eau Claire of Oregon: and cousin, Rachel Armstrong, her husband Rodney and their son, Noah Armstrong of San Jose, CA: cousins, Lindsey Little and Carrie Little of CA.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, May 29th, at 4:00 PM at Parkway Presbyterian Church. 5830 Bethelview Rd, Cumming, GA

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com.