Las Cruces, New Mexico
1921 - 2017
Leroy "Roy" King Murray, age 96, passed away peacefully in Las Cruces, NM to join his wife in heaven and be in the arms of the Lord on Saturday, December 9, 2017. "Roy" as he was fondly known was a patriot. Born and raised in Springfield, MA, he enlisted in the United States Army in January 1941, transferring to the United States Army Air Corps in the early days of World War II. Then in 1947, chose to join the newly created United States Air Force, ultimately retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He was a World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veteran and proud of it. Roy was a devout Christian and 45 year longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Merced, CA and a recent member of the Las Cruces First Baptist Church. His service to Gideons International spanned decades and many a Bible was placed by his hands. Roy and his beloved wife, Doris were married for 70 years before her death in 2013.
Immediate family members left to mourn his passing include daughter, Judy Laird (Colonel James, USAF Retired) of Las Cruces; grandson, Jeffrey Laird (April) of Fredericksburg, TX; granddaughter, Jennifer Mickle (Colonel JonPaul, USAF) currently of Honolulu, HI; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Autumn Laird; sister, Marjorie Hanks, 99, of E. Longmeadow, MA.
As a three year resident of the Las Cruces Good Samaritan Society, he made many friends and enjoyed this patriotic city as he bustled around town and was recognized by his distinctive cap declaring WWII, Korean and Vietnam Veteran.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 at 2 PM in the Good Samaritan Auditorium, 3025 Terrace Drive in Las Cruces.
Roy's remains will lie in rest next to his wife at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.
Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care" For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com
Roy modeled respectability to me as I grew up his neighbor. He was always staying sharp, working with old radios or getting his first iPhone. I'm honored to have known him.
Nate
December 30, 2017 | Atwater, CA
We miss him.
How do you put forty three years in a few sentences? You were our mentor, a confidant, and Godly man, a great example for us in this life.
Go rest high on the mountain. We love you.
Jim, Jane, and Laura
Jim & Jane Lawson
December 29, 2017 | Atwater, CA
Rest easy Chief, we have the watch, you are relieved!
Jon Paul Mickle
December 27, 2017
