Family and friends celebrate the life of Jesse Leon Murray, 102, WWII and Korean War vet

HEREFORD — Family and friends gathered Saturday to honor Jesse Leon Murray, who passed away on Aug. 31 in Amarillo at the age of 102. Murray, a distinguished veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, was celebrated not only for his heroic military service, but also for his deep faith, artistic talents, and profound impact on his family and community.

Born Aug. 6, 1922, in Fort Supply, Oklahoma, Jesse Leon Murray was the son of a taxi driver and grew up in poverty. His first job was in a furniture factory before he was drafted into the Army in 1942 at age 20. He trained at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before being deployed. During World War II, he sustained severe injuries when a shell fragment struck him in the mouth, knocking out six teeth and breaking his jawbone. Despite these injuries, he survived and later faced issues from the remaining fragments, which were eventually removed. Murray was discharged from the Army in November 1952. After his service, he used the GI Bill to study horology, the art of watchmaking, at Oklahoma Southwestern College in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Murray married Juanita Bell Emmons on Feb. 19, 1943, and their 60-and-a-half-year marriage continued until Juanita’s passing in 2003. The couple lived in Arizona for 49 years before moving to Hereford in 1995, where they became active members of the Nazarene Family Church. Their faith in Jesus Christ was central to their lives. In 2012, Murray reflected on the impact of faith in an article for the Amarillo Globe-News, published on Veterans Day. His reflections offered insights into how his faith sustained him through both his military service and his long life, serving as a testament to his enduring belief and resilience.

Murray’s military career was marked by extraordinary bravery and a profound sense of duty. He earned a Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained during World War II. His wartime experiences were featured in the 2012 Globe-News article and will be preserved in the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project. His service extended into the Korean War, although he did not see combat during that conflict.

Following the memorial service, Murray’s daughters, Mary Sue Crawford and Patricia Holcomb, shared poignant reflections on their father’s remarkable life. Crawford, the eldest daughter, spoke about the deep connection she shared with her father, especially after moving in with him in 2017. “It was a period of mutual rescue,” she said. “I came to care for him, and in return, he continued to guide and support me with his stories, wisdom, and unwavering faith.”

Crawford added, “We’re very thankful that our dad survived World War II and the Korean War. I deeply appreciate every military person who has ever sacrificed for our country. Many didn’t make it, and I think of the veterans who are in the VA home with Dad. Their service and sacrifices, alongside Dad’s, are a poignant reminder of the tremendous costs of freedom. It’s important to honor and remember all of these brave individuals who gave so much, and to acknowledge the courage of those who, like Dad, lived to tell their stories.”

Holcomb, who resides in Amarillo, recounted the final chapters of her father’s life with a mix of sadness and pride. “When he first entered the nursing home at Ussery-Roan and later moved to the Amarillo VA’s CLC (Community Living Center), he was always sharp and full of stories,” Holcomb said. “Even as he faced the challenges of aging, he retained vivid memories of wartime experiences and family moments. His creativity and perfectionism were evident in everything he did, from his artwork to his mechanical work.”

Murray’s military service was characterized by resilience and dedication. During World War II, he survived numerous close calls, often attributing his survival to divine protection. “Dad always believed he was spared for a reason,” Holcomb reflected. “His faith was unwavering; he believed that God had a plan for him and that he was meant to share his story and inspire others.”

Murray’s artistic talents were well-regarded by family and friends. A skilled sculptor, painter, and maker of violins and bass violins, Murray made artistic creations that were highly valued. His generosity was evident in his practice of giving his art away freely. “He never charged anyone for his artwork,” Crawford explained. “For him, the joy was in the act of creation itself. He delighted in sharing his gifts with others, reflecting his generous spirit.”

Holcomb fondly remembered working on various projects with her father, including building a room in his carport with stone he collected from the Arizona countryside. “Dad was a perfectionist,” she said. “He poured his heart into everything he did, whether building or creating art. Those projects are some of my fondest memories of him. His attention to detail and dedication were always evident.”

Murray’s faith was a cornerstone of his life. His favorite Bible verses, John 14:1-3 and 27, provided him with comfort and strength. “These verses were a guiding light for him,” Crawford said. “He lived by them and found solace in their message. His unwavering faith guided him through the toughest times.”

Murray is survived by his four children: Lloyd Murray of Yuma, Arizona; Patricia Holcomb and her husband Pete of Amarillo; Robert Murray and his wife Sharon of Yuma, Arizona; and Mary Sue Crawford of Hereford. He also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and 5 stepchildren from his second marriage to Geraldine Joyce Frye Clark Murray, who has since passed away. His surviving family includes a younger brother, Billy Joe Murray, and his wife Lil of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He was one out of eight siblings, including four brothers and three sisters. Preceding him in death were his parents, Floyd S. and Rachel Aretta Boyle Murray; his brothers Manny, LeRoy, and Forrest; and his sisters Mary Lou, Louise, and Zelpha.

Murray’s funeral service was held at Parkside Chapel, and he was buried at Rest Lawn Cemetery in Hereford. The memorial service included a full military honors ceremony performed by Volleys for Veterans, complete with a gun salute and the playing of Taps. “The tribute was more than fitting,” Crawford remarked. “It was a powerful reminder of the respect and gratitude we owe to those who have served our country. Seeing him honored in such a manner was deeply moving and a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.”

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Family, friends celebrate life of Jesse Leon Murray, 102, war veteran