Murray Lee Taylor

Murray Lee Taylor, age 88, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his wife, daughters, and son-in-law on July 6, 2025, in Modesto, California. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, and friend, Murray was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Murray lived a life marked by service, faith, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

Born on July 23, 1936, in Gunnison, Utah, Murray was the youngest of ten children born to Jean Chapman Taylor and Martin Lathrop Taylor. Raised on the family farm, surrounded by horses, cattle, and hay-filled barns, he often recalled his childhood as the ideal setting for a boy to grow up. He took pride in his daily chores for both his father and older brother Ray, and often said he never saw them as a burden but rather as a joy.

Murray graduated from Gunnison High School in 1954 and went on to attend Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, and Southern Utah University in Cedar City. He later earned his Master's Degree in Education from Utah State University in Logan. In 1956, he volunteered and served in the U.S. Army with assignments in Colorado and Texas-his fondest memories being from Fort Worth, Texas.

In 1961, Murray served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Manchester, England. His time there left a lasting impression on him; he spoke of it often and with great affection. His faith remained central throughout his life. Those who knew him described him as a "spiritual giant," not because he sought recognition, but because he quietly and humbly led by example.

On August 25, 1967, Murray married Athena Collene Sine in the Salt Lake Temple. Their nearly 58 years of marriage were filled with love, many adventures, and shared purpose. Together, they raised five children and created a lifetime of memories. Murray loved the outdoors and took great joy in family trips, mostly in the form of 'road trips'. It may have been a picnic lunch in Pine Valley, hiking in one of our many beautiful Utah State Parks, or traveling down the Western Coastline, Murray loved the journey. He was able to visit Canada in his later years and especially loved the views and memories there.

Murray's professional life was dedicated to education. He primarily taught 5th and 6th grades, beginning in Coquille, Oregon, before returning to Utah to teach at Taylorsville Elementary. He later moved back to Gunnison, where he taught for many years at Gunnison Elementary. In 1985, the family relocated to St. George, Utah, where Murray continued teaching at Bloomington Elementary until his retirement in 1998. He was a beloved teacher who poured his heart into nurturing young minds. Reading was especially important to him, and he inspired a love of books in countless students. He also had a lifelong passion for technology and was an early adopter of computers-pioneering the first computer lab for students at Bloomington Elementary and constantly exploring new tools to enhance learning.

Outside of work, Murray found joy in many pursuits. He had a deep love for woodworking and was always building or repairing something-his garage a constant hub of sawdust and many different projects. Murray built several of his own computers from scratch and relished trying out new software or gadgets, often becoming the go-to tech support for friends, family, and fellow church members.

After retiring from teaching, Murray immersed himself in Family History work. He ran the Family History Center for the Ivins/Santa Clara Stake in Southern Utah for many years and became known for building computers out of salvaged parts for seniors eager to explore their ancestry but lacking the means. He also volunteered at Washington County's Purgatory Correctional Facility, where he helped inmates learn to read and earn their GEDs-a labor of love that reflected his deep belief in the potential of every person.

Murray's legacy is carried forward by his wife, Athena Collene; daughters Marnie (Vance) Gough, Jana (Damon) Hunn, and Erin Taylor; as well as 15 grandchildren-Jaden, Taylor, AJ, John-Alexander, Kate, Alex, Carolyn, Mellany, Heather, Logan, McCabe, Kaylee, Hannah, Angela, and Aidan; and five great-grandchildren-Alanis, Oliver, Dexter, Alex, and Sage. He was preceded in death by two beloved children, Jonathan Murray Taylor (in 2013) and Tara Lynn Taylor Adams (in 2021), as well as by his parents and nine older siblings: Ray, Lillie, Hart, Ken, Frank, Virginia, Ruth, Richard, and Jack.

The family would like to thank SEVA Hospice in Modesto, CA for their exemplary care for Murray in the final months of his life. Their service and compassion will not be forgotten.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor in Orem, Utah at a future date.

Murray was truly one of a kind. His unwavering love, support and example will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but the love he shared will continue to live on in our memories forever.