Murray was a World War II veteran – part of an elite group that will forever be known as "The Greatest Generation." He first joined the Texas National Guard to serve nine months and three days before being federalized into the regular army immediately after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant in the European Theatre of Operations, serving as a squad leader in Ordinance Evacuation Company. He supervised transporting and receiving tanks knocked out in the field and brought new tanks to the battlefront on M-25 tank transporters, often under enemy fire. He saw combat in Germany, France, and Belgium. He received the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars for the Rhineland & Central Europe Campaigns, American Defense Service Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, 1 Service Stripe, 1 Overseas Bar, and was honorably discharged with the 75th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron at Fort Sam Houston on December 1, 1945.

Murray returning from the war and worked as a firefighter for the City of Austin and then at Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas, until his retirement. He was also a member of the Hallettsville VFW.

Murray leaves his deeply saddened wife of 66 years, Jessie Montgomery, and three devoted sons, Murray Jr. and wife, Cordelia; Joel Scott and wife, Angel; and Richard Zane Montgomery. He also leaves a brother, Joe Montgomery of Austin and a sister, Ermie Hannah of Irving. Murray leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren that will greatly miss their "Paw Paw."

Murray was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Linda Sue Montgomery and brother, Carl Montgomery Jr.

Grave Side Service: 2 pm, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, at Speaks Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers: His grandsons. Memorials: Speaks Cemetery Association. Burial: Speaks Cemetery.

Words of comfort and guest book entry may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com