Nathan Nate Murray

Nathan "Nate" Murray, age 45, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 17, 2015 after a battle with lymphoma and pneumonia. He was born in McAllen, Texas on November 26, 1969, and grew up in Dallas, Texas, a proud Woodrow Wilson Wildcat.

He graduated from the University of Texas in San Antonio with a Bachelor's Degree in History in 2002. Nate first battled lymphoma in 1993 while attending the San Antonio Police Department Academy. As a police officer, he was involved in the infamous Denny's shootout in 2003, during which Nate was shot in the neck while tending to another officer. Even though the bullet shattered his jaw, he still managed to call 9-1-1 for help. Nate received a Purple Heart for his bravery that night. He returned to the police force a few months later, but unexpectedly suffered a stroke shortly thereafter, forcing him to take medical retirement from the police force after serving for 11 years.

After his retirement, Nate moved to Spring Branch where he became a popular member of the community. Nate enjoyed the outdoors, spending time with his friends and family, trips to Arkansas, nachos, Dr. Pepper, and the Dallas Mavericks (no small feat in Spurs country). Nate never met a stranger, and even after all his trials and tribulations, he always had a smile on his face and never complained about his physical obstacles. He was diagnosed with lymphoma for a second time in June of 2015, and although treatment went well in the beginning, Nate ultimately succumbed to complications from pneumonia. He was a hero till the end, and his laughter and generosity will be greatly missed. Nate's family is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this difficult time.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Clinton Murray; his grandparents, Emory and Marguerite Murray, and Emma and Steve Deutsch; his uncle, Forrest Faulkner; his aunt, Jo Armstrong; and his cousins, Beth Faulkner, Carolyn Armstrong, and David Armstrong.

He is survived by his parents, Emory and JoAnn Murray; sisters Amy and Kayla Murray; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; his brothers and sisters in blue; and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors, which provides support for the surviving family of police officers killed in the line of duty), P.O. Box 7991156, San Antonio, TX 78729.

Nate will lie in state Friday, August 21, 2015 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Porter Loring Mortuary North, with the service following at 3:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held Monday, August 24, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 6000 South R. L. Thornton Freeway in Dallas, Texas.