Charles Edward "Ed" Murray

MURRAY, Charles Edward "Ed"Age 80, former Tennessee House Speaker, who was also a pilot and attorney, died May 29, 2009 in The Villages, Lady Lake, FL of cancer. Born August 16, 1928 in Decherd to Richard and Patty (Moffatt) Murray, he attended Franklin County Schools, the University of the South, Middle Tennessee State University, and Nashville School of Law. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy. He was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1970 to serve the 39th District until 1990. He was elected House Speaker for his last two terms. After he didn't run for re-election, he was appointed by Gov. Ned McWherter as Claims Commissioner for Middle Tennessee until his retirement in July, 1995. He was partner of the Hickerson and Murray law firm. Mr. Murray had retired full time to Florida in 2004. He was married for almost 40 years to the former Sandra Fields of Crossville, TN. She is the only immediate survivor. In addition to flying, he greatly enjoyed hunting, especially deer, pheasant and ducks, and fishing and vegetable gardening. He did not play golf, but enjoyed living on the golf course and watching his wife and others "hitting those mallets around". Visitation is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 7th, at the Moore-Cortner Funeral Home. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, June 8th at Mt. Garner Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to your local preference or to: Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Casa Bella, The Villages, FL 32162. Arrangements handled by MOORE-CORTNER FUNERAL HOME, (931) 967-2222.