Harold Stanley Murray, Sr.

Mr. Harold Stanley Murray, Sr., 102 years of age, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, in Columbus, GA.

Born on April 23, 1921, in Hadley, Massachusetts, Hal and his parents, Harold F. and Minnie Murray, lived in the Sears Roebuck house that was built 2 years prior to his birth.  A few years after developing a fascination with airplanes when a barnstormer landed his biplane in a field near his home, Hal bought a plane with 2 teenage friends and taught himself to fly.  During WWII, Hal flew P-51 Mustangs over Europe with the US Army Air Corps while stationed out of Raydon Field, England.  After the War, he served in the Air Force in Manilla, Philippines, and Duluth, Minnesota.  He left the Air Force and rejoined the Army and served several years at Lawson Field, Fort Benning.

Hal enrolled in courses at Troy State and graduated from Auburn University.  He taught English and Social Studies at Columbus Jr. High School.  He encouraged his students to play their musical instruments in his classroom after school.  He loved to help those who played guitar, as he loved playing his guitar as well.  Mr. Murray was instrumental in organizing talent shows at the school.  Later in life, he enjoyed playing with the DingAlings around Columbus and Phenix City, where, even into his nineties, he fondly spoke of “going to play for the old folks” in area assisted living and nursing facilities.

Hal is survived by his 5 children:  Maida Jones (Robert, deceased), Charles Murray (Wyllis Nell), Harold S. Murray, Jr. (Rena), Herbert H. Murray (Janice), and Gail Champion (Leon), and his dear friend Nita Sowers; his grandchildren Robert Jones (Kim), Herbert Jones (Rhonda), Thomas Murray (Cheryl), Tiel Murray, Chris Traweek (Madonna), Phillip Murray (Kayla) and Ashley Murray; and great grandchildren Casey, Jaxon, Caleb, Nathan, Jace, Anna Grace, Lathan, and Harland.