Mr. Karl Edward Murray

Retired Senior Chief Murray was born December 20, 1952 in Lowhill, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and upon graduation of basic training Karl took orders to Augsburg, Germany where he quickly obtained the rank of E-5. He re-enlisted for orders and came back home to Florida as a Crypto-logic Technician Instructor and attached to a SEAL team. After eight years of faithful service Petty Officer 2nd class Murray was discharged and a short three months later returned to active duty and went to Keflavik, Iceland as a System Controller and promoted to E-6 and shortly thereafter he was promoted to Chief. Transferring back to Florida Senior Chief Murray led, trained and guided young sailors for the Navy fleet. Karl's last duty station was Okinawa, Japan where he was made an Honorary Sea-Bee and retired after over 20 years of faithful service. Some of Senior Chief Murray's award was as followed: Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal (3rd award), Navy Commendation (2nd award) and Navy and Marine Corps overseas service Ribbon (7th award). Some of Karl's accomplishments were being President of the Panhandle Motorcycle Society (PMS), earning his Bachelor's degree in Science from New York University, he was also a Professor for South Central College in Japan. He was responsible for helping in several fund raising events in Escambia County including Baptist Hospital's Save a Baby, Covenant Hospice Care and Heavenly Blessing.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Robert and Virginia Murray from Lowhill, Pennsylvania. Karl was survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Butch Wyels from Westville, Indiana; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Joyce Murray from Leetesdale, Pennsylvania; children of his are as follows: son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Stephanie Murray of Columbus, Pennsylvania; daughter and son-in-law, Karlen and Keith Pinkney of Marianna, Pennsylvania; first cousin, Donna and husband, Ray, Jobin of Aurora, Ohio; three step-children that were raised by Karl are Derek Golson, Jill Frame and Angela Greenquest. There are seven grandchildren and three nieces who will miss him. He leaves behind Celestra Hamilton, his fiancé, best friend and soul-mate, as well as her extended family.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 2, 2010 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home on New Warrington Road. Internment will follow at Pensacola Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

All friends and family are welcome to attend and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Karl Murray Foundation at any Regions Bank to continue his charitable endeavors.

I, (Celestra) would like to thank all motorcycle enthusiasts and our extended family at PMS for all the love, support and prayers that you have shown to me and Karl's family in this most difficult time. We have all lost a wonderful man, I WILL NEVER FORGET!

OAK LAWN FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.

You may pay your condolences at www.oaklawnfunerals.com.