Roger Goodman Murray, Jr.

Roger was born in Jackson, TN, the son of the late Roger Murray and Agnes Bradford Murray. He graduated from Columbia Military Academy, received a bachelor's degree from Union University, and a law degree from Cumberland Law School. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Union University.

Roger served in the U.S. Army from1953 to 1955. He practiced law in Jackson, TN from 1962 to 1976. In 1968 he started his own company, Murray Guard, Inc. which did business in many states. From 1972 to 1978 he served in the Tennessee House of Representatives where he chaired numerous committees and sub-committees. He ran for governor on the democratic ticket in 1978.

He truly loved his community service in Madison County, and was known as a person who got things done. Roger was president of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, president of Madison County American Red Cross, Chairman of the West Tennessee Heart Association, Chairman of the YMCA campaign, President of Crime Stoppers of Jackson, and was a leading board member of United Way of West Tennessee. He was a member of Jackson First United Methodist Church.

Roger's family and friends will miss his quick wit and witnessing the many ways he helped those in need.

He was married to Judith Ligon of Lebanon, TN, in 1960 who survives him.

He is survived by his children, Roger Murray III and wife Kelly, Luanne Story and husband Jimmy, Will Murray, Melissa Bloemer and husband Bernie, and daughter-in-law, Janice Murray.

A son, Thomas David Murray preceded him in death in 2015.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren; his sister, Mona Ward and husband, Jerry, and brother-in-law, Gary Ligon and wife Barbara.

Due to Covid-19, the family will hold private services on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with a private burial to follow in Hollywood Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carl Perkins Center or YouthTown.