Richard Joseph Murray

Richard Joseph, RJ, Murray 95 of Canadian, formally of Hart stepped into the arms of Jesus Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Canadian.

Private family services will be held at a future date.  Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian.

RJ was born May 27, 1928, in Panhandle to JO and Ammie Murray. He grew up in the Panhandle area and worked for Pantex Farms at an early age. RJ married Mary Marriott on Easter Sunday in 1947, they were married 60 plus years. At the age of 21 he became a Mason and served with the Amarillo Shriners organization as a clown in hospitals and parades. RJ helped to start the Pantx Church and served as a Baptist Deacon for over 70 years. A niece, Silvia shared with his family that she was a Christian because of RJ’s influence.  After moving to Hart, RJ and his family worked with participants of the Bracero Program, the largest foreign worker program in U.S. history. Following retirement RJ and Mary bought a travel trailer and moved to Wyoming, later moving to Ruidoso, NM. Retirement didn’t come naturally to RJ, he loved helping people whenever he could. He fed pets, stocked firewood, and checked on rental property. He and Mary started a cleaning service out of his desire to help others.  They moved to Canadian in the mid-90’s to be near family.   RJ’s hobbies were visiting with and helping people.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Murray, parents, JO and Ammie Murray and a brother, Bill Murray.

Those left to celebrate and cherish RJ’s memory are 3 children; Charlotte Fulkerson and husband Robert of Tulia, Richard Murray and wife Gilissa of Canadian, Helen Ward and husband James of Roswell, NM; brother, Jerry Murray; sister, LaNel Cummins; grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and extended family.