William James Murray

William J. Murray William James Murray, Jr. (Bill), of Austin, died on Tuesday, August 3, 2004. He was 89. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jo Newton Murray, as well as his children Jo Anna Schultz, Marsha Wilson, Janice Stoley and her husband, John, and Bill Murray III and his wife, Deb, all of Austin; his sister, Ann Murray of Abilene; grandchildren Ron and Courtney Schultz of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dr. Randall and Kimberly Schultz of Austin, Bennett and Helen McCarroll of Long Island, New York, Deidre Stoley of Dallas, Dade Stoley and William James (Jamie) Murray IV, both of Austin; and beloved great-grandchildren Will, Anna, and Hayley Schultz, Katherine and Maggie McCarroll, and Audrey Grace Schultz. Bill Murray was born in Coleman, Texas, on February 17, 1915, to William J. and Virginia McGowan Murray. He graduated from Cisco High School in 1931, and attended Simmons College (now Hardin-Simmons University) for two years. Sharing his father’s love for oil exploration, Bill transferred to the University of Texas in 1933, drawn by the newly formed department of Petroleum Engineering. In 1936, he earned a Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, graduating with the first class—four students—to complete that program. While at UT, he earned the Dean’s medal for the highest number of grade points in the Engineering School (a record that stands today), as well as the Distinguished Graduate Award of the UT School of Engineering. Bill’s devotion to the College of Engineering continued throughout his life, and in 1989 the William J. (Bill) Murray Endowed Chair of Engineering was established by several of Bill’s industry friends. Matched by university funds, the program now funds six or more projects per year, in all engineering disciplines. During World War II, Bill served as liaison between the federal government and the petroleum regulatory bodies in Texas and five other states, charged with seeing that oil needed for the war effort was available. Soon after the war’s end, he was appointed by Gov. Beauford Jester to the Texas State Railroad Commission, a position he held through four state-wide re-elections, until 1963. During his tenure on the Railroad Commission, Bill’s regulatory policies led to the termination of the flaring of associated natural gas, which in turn led to the birth of the natural gas industry world-wide. After resigning from the RRC, Bill served the City of Austin, City Public Services of San Antonio, and numerous other groups as energy consultant and conservationist. He was widely sought after as a speaker. For one example, he addressed the Dallas Petroleum Club at its annual meeting for fifty-four consecutive years. In addition to his work in the oil and gas industry, Bill was an enthusiastic leader in the Presbyterian church. He was a member of University Presbyterian Church for 72 years; a member of the Board of Trustees of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; and Moderator of the Synod of Texas, Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.. He was instrumental in securing Presbyterian MoRanch Assembly for the denomination, and served as President of that Board. A graveside service, open to friends, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2004, at the Texas State Cemetery, with a memorial service following at 11:00, at University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio, with Rev. Sansom Williams officiating. Pallbearers will be Bill’s grandchildren. The family wishes to express profound appreciation to those who cared for Bill during his final illness, Drs. Tom McHorse and Peter Nutson and their staff, especially Becca Cappel, as well as caretakers Evelyn Odem and Cindy De la Rosa. Memorials may be sent to University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio, Austin 78705; or to the UT School of Engineering, Bill Murray Endowed Chair, c/o Dr. John Halton, # 1 University Station, Austin 78712 . Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 – (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials online at wcfish.com