1SG Harold "AJ" Murdock, ARMY (Ret).

A Celebration of Life service for 1SG Harold Jay "AJ" Murdock ARMY (Ret.), age 74, of Clarksville, TN will be on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Sykes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

AJ was born on May 18, 1949 in Joliet, IL to Aubrey and Mary Murdock who precede him in death. AJ loved the outdoors, fishing, and enjoyed riding motorcycles. He was an avid golfer and jokester.

 AJ retired from the Army as a First Sergeant of the 2nd BN, 502nd INF "Strike Force"; serving in the Gulf War. After his retirement from the service he was employed with the Auto Industry for over 15 years. AJ held many different Army positions: Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant/ OPS Sergeant, 1st Sergeant, S2 Intell NCOIC/ also as AS S-2 Intel Officer. He also served two tours as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Ord, CA and Fort Knox, KY. During his service as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Ord, he was selected to represent Fort Ord, CA as Drill Sergeant of the Year during the Army-wide Drill Sergeant competition, and an Airborne Ranger.

He also received many awards and decorations which include: include a Bronze Star w/V Device w/3OLC, Air Medal w/NUM 2, Meritorious Service Medal w/3OLC, Army Commendation, w/7OLC, Army Achievement Medal w/3OLC, Saudi Arabian Liberation of Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Viet Cross of Gallantry w/PALM, Non-Commissioned Officer PDR, Combat Infantryman Badge w/star, Master Parachutists Jump Wings, Drill Sergeant Badge, Ranger Tab, Pathfinder Wings, and Air Assault Wings.

 AJ served as Commander of the American Legion and was a lifetime member of the DAV, served as the Vice-President of the 101st Airborne Division Association. He has also served as a Board of Governor for 4 years for the 327th /401st INF REGT and Sergeant-of Arms for the Association for 2 years.

He is survived by his son, CJ (Chelsea) Murdock, daughters, Sarah (Doug) Smith and Kelley (Mike) Dodd, grandchildren, Maddox and Mia Murdock, Alex, Mallory, and Addie Melvin, and Samantha and Logan Dodd and brother, Charley (Kathy) Murdock.