Murray Hiam

Murray Leigh Hiam (born March 12, 1953 in Birmingham; died January 28, 2024 in Birmingham) was an artist and educator.

Hiam was the son of John Stafford Hiam and the former Annie Laurie Shelnutt. He grew up in Birmingham, attending Glen Iris Elementary School and graduating from Ramsay High School. He earned a bachelor of arts in education at the University of Alabama and taught physical education classes. He later studied art and completed a second bachelor's degree at UAB, followed by a master of fine arts from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Hiam was an avid sketcher, sculptor, painter and photographer. He returned to UAB as an adjunct art professor and also taught at Snead State Community College in Boaz. He served as president of the Birmingham Art Association. He volunteered his time and talents with Alzheimer's of Central Alabama. In 2011 he acquired the Hood-McPherson Building in downtown Birmingham at auction. He sold it to Auburn University in 2018.

Hiam died in 2024 and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery.

References

• "Murray Leigh Hiam" obituary (2024) Dignitymemorial.com - accessed May 14, 2024