Donald Ray Murray

On Sunday, September 27, 2020, Donald Ray Murray, devoted husband, dad and patriot passed away at the age of 79.

Don was born on December 13, 1940 in Fayetteville County, Kentucky. I suppose he was a kid for the next 16 years, then he grew up fast entering military service with the US Air Force in 1957. The Air Force introduced him to the two great loves of his life, his wife of 58 years, Nancy and the great state of Texas. It remains a matter of debate over which love rated number one. Dad always said- I wasn’t born in Texas, but I got there as fast as I could. During his 22 year career in the military, the family was stationed at Perrin AFB in Sherman, TX, Ramstein AFB in Germany, Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX, McChord AFB in Tacoma, WA and lastly, Dyess AFB in Abilene, TX. Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1979, Dad went to school and worked several jobs before landing a second 20 year career with the FAA. Because Mom couldn’t stand being apart from their grandsons, they moved to Oklahoma after he retired from the FAA in 2006. It occurs to me that I misspoke earlier, Dad had THREE great loves, the third was bass fishing and it definitely edged Mom out of first place from time to time. Dad loved to fish anytime, anywhere. He was a charter member of the Texins Bass Club and even held a couple of lake records. Another of his favorite tropes- A bad day fishing beats a good day working anytime.

Don was preceded in death by Mom, Nancy Ann Murray, who just passed in May. After she died he said, “I have nothing left to do here.” And despite my arguments to the contrary, it appears he was right. He experienced a rapid decline owing to his battle with Alzheimer’s, frustration with quarantine and broken hearted loneliness.

Don is survived by his sister, Doris (husband Mike); his son, Darrell (wife Nancy); his daughter Donna (husband Fred) and grandsons Chris, Josh, Geoff, Matt and Scooter. Along with six great grandchildren plus one on the way, Dad leaves precious cousins, co-workers and friends all of whom he cared for deeply.

Dad and Mom have been reunited and returned to his beloved state of Texas where they will be interred at the Texas State Veterans’ Cemetery in Abilene. It is located on the road to one of his favorite lakes to fish. He is ending with three out of three- you can’t beat that. I love you, Daddy.