Rev. Samuel Wayne Murray

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

Psalms 1: 1-3

Reverend Samuel Wayne Murray began his life on October 16, 1957 in McNeil, Arkansas to the late Leroy and Cleo Jones Murray. He was one of five children, Lee Murray, Renardo Murray, Ungra Murray, and Esther Murray. God called Him to his heavenly home on August 18, 2020.

Sam accepted Christ at an early age at the Bethany Baptist Church in McNeil, Arkansas where he served faithfully in the youth male chorus.

Sam graduated from McNeil High School where he served as class president and salutatorian of the class of 1976. He had a major love for basketball and was an All-star player on his high school basketball team contributing to many All-state competition winnings. As a proud graduate of The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, he received a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. In his free time, he loved to draw and paint anything from cartoons to personal portraits of others.

A graduate of Southern Bible Institute, Sam accepted his call to ministry at the Mount Olive Baptist Church (MOBC) in 1998. He faithfully served at MOBC for many years as an instructor for Mount Olive Bible Institute (MOBI), Vacation Bible School (VBS), and Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA). He was also a true-hearted volunteer for the Children’s Church Ministry, Care Compassion Committee, and Visitation Committee. He enjoyed inspiring and mentoring youth about the love of Christ.

Sam was a well-respected family service counselor with Laurel Land Dallas for many years. He shared his gift of compassion by serving and protecting families in time of need. Caring for others was something that he did daily and effortlessly without a complaint.

Sam met and married the love of his life Celeste A. Franklin in 1988. God gifted them both with three daughters; Shannon, Desarea, and Mahlah. He was a devoted father and brought a lifetime of joy, positivity, and unconditional love to his family.

Samuel Murray leaves to cherish sweet memories: a loving wife of 32 years, Celeste Murray; three beautiful daughters, Shannon Franklin-Hightower (Perry), Desarea Murray (Paul - Fiancé’), and Mahlah Murray; Esther Murray and Ungra Murray, both of McNeil, Arkansas; Renardo (Carolyn) Murray of Eldorado, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Chloe Hightower, Cameron Hightower and Kingston Wiggins; and a host of family and friends.

To view the program of Sam's Homegoing Celebration, please visit https://online.flippingbook.com/view/100238/