Pat Murray

On Monday, April 6, 2020, LTCDR USCG (Ret) Pat Murray passed away at the age of 86.

Pat was born on June 6, 1933 at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas to John T. & Myrtle F. Murray.  He was the oldest of seven siblings, growing up in Forney, Texas.  Pat graduated from Forney High School in 1952, joined the Navy in 1953, serving through 1958 - subsequently joining the Coast Guard that same year and serving through 1974.

Pat was promoted through the ranks within the Coast Guard, eventually reaching Lieutenant Commander status.  He truly enjoyed his military profession, especially in his role as a search and rescue pilot.  Pat began flying Albatross seaplanes first, later graduating to Sikorsky helicopters, which were his passion.   He was stationed in Biloxi, MS, Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, The Philippines, San Diego, CA & Cape Cod, MA, where he took early retirement at the age of 42, having saved over 300 lives during his tenure.  He was also initiated as a Master Mason while stationed in the Philippines in 1963.

He returned to his home state of Texas in 1978, residing in Richardson, Rowlett, Dallas, Sulphur Springs, and finally moving to Plano in 2017 to be closer to his family.  He held various jobs over the years, including working for the Dallas Independent School District, Texas Instruments, the Dallas Sherriff’s Department and as a buyer’s agent in real estate.

Pat always enjoyed working on various projects around his home and even designed his last single family dwelling himself.  He was especially fond of animals – from raising orphaned squirrels and birds to caring for his beloved cats and pet alpacas. He was a member of the local Flotilla of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and also volunteered at the Sulphur Springs regional airport, keeping ties to his love of flying.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, John T. & Myrtle F. Murray   He is survived by his five children - Kimberly D. Murray, Ashley Murray Reynolds, Kevin (Kim) Murray, Brad Murray & Rick (Sharon) Murray, seventeen grandchildren and his six siblings - Faye Pike, Waldo Murray, Wanda Jayroe, Mac Murray, Hazel Edwards & John Murray.  

A Memorial Service is being held at Gateway Funerals and Cremation at 1:00 PM on Saturday June 6, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer’s’ Association in honor of our brother Kevin are greatly appreciated – you may donate at https://www.alz.org/

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