Richard D. Murray Sr.

Richard (Dick) Murray, originally from Shreveport, La, but retired to his adopted home town of Dallas, Texas, passed away comfortably at the age of 88 with his family near his side. He is survived by his wife, Janice Collins Murray, originally of Bossier City, La, of over 64 years; his daughter Patti O'Keefe with husband Kevin and sons Richard Dave Murray with Sandy and children Michelle and Danielle, as well as great grand daughter Samantha; Mark Murray with Sarah and children Kate, Brooke and Sidney.

Viewing will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home on Thursday, October 10, 2019, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Interment will take place at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, at 10:00am on Friday, October 11, 2019. A Memorial Service will be at Park Cities Baptist Church on Friday, October 11, 2019, at 12:30pm with a reception to follow.

Born to Venetia and John Murray of Shreveport as the baby of 8 siblings, Dick graduated from Byrd HS in Shreveport in 1949 as a member of the Louisiana state HS championship football team.He went onto play tight end at Baylor and played in the Orange Bowl in 1954.He met Janice Collins, the love and literally, the support system for the rest of his life at Baylor.They started a family after he was commissioned as a Lt in the US Air Force in 1954.He moved through the Air Force ranks with a sterling career in finance.He had assignments in Germany, Texas, Madrid Spain, Vietnam, and in Washington DC as director of budget for the Air Force.His final assignment was in 1982 in Dallas as the Commander of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).He retired in July 1985 after a distinguished 31 year career with the rank of Major General.He was admired and loved by over 34 thousand associates of the AAFES community as the General with the large heart, warm smile, and bigger than life personality.

After life in the Air Force, he continued his professional career as an advocate in Washington DC with duties as President of the American Logistics Association (ALA) and the National Association of Uniformed Servicemen (NAUS). His final professional victory was gaining approval through President Clinton for the military medical benefit know as TRICARE for life, a Medicare supplemental coverage for military retirees-promise kept and delivered. Dick and Jan Murray retired to Dallas in 2005 and spent much time with family, friends and their chosen church, Park Cities Baptist. They were active in their community during their twilight years residing more recently at the retirement home, The Tradition, on Lovers lane.

Dicky, Dad, Grand Pa and Papa was a very special son, husband, father, and friend for all those who had the pleasure of getting to know him. He was caring, loving and passionate in life. He would always take the time and go out of his way to assist someone who needed his help. We have been in the presence of a great man who provided a great service to his country, family and friends. He will be missed by many and we all will feel the loss going forward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Alzheimer's Association, www.act.alz.org.

Hang in there Lord, he is on his way!!

Cheers and God bless you Dad