FRANK MURRAY III

FRANK MURRAY III
June 20, 1949 - October 16, 2025
Frank was born in El Paso, Texas but grew up entirely in Clovis, New Mexico with a two-year younger brother, George, to parents Frank and Velma Murray. Both parents were generational residents of Curry County, NM.
Frank began learning a strong work ethic beginning at age 12. He was put to work in his father's bowling alley in Clovis. In high school, he also worked for White's Automotive store. He acquired a private plane flying license at age 17. At age 18, he began insurance adjusting during the summer school breaks. He followed the storms in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.
He married Minnie Anderson in February 1970. He acquired a BS degree in social studies with a teaching degree in secondary education from Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) in 1973. A professor at ENMU encouraged him to pursue a law degree. He attended Gonzaga Law School in Spokane, Washington in which he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1976.
Frank and Minnie bought a small farm close to Spokane and adopted a baby girl, Rainbow Leigh. However, his native state of New Mexico drew him home. He accepted the position of Assistant Attorney General in 1979. He and Minnie adopted a baby boy naming him Frank the same year.
As a master attorney for the state, he also held the position of counsel for the NM National Guard and ended his career working with Child Support Enforcement. After retirement, he became a bill analyzer for the NM Legislature until the cancer, he fought courageously for 16 years, left him unable to do so.
Frank was an excellent woodworker, artist and craftsman. He built his own home, much of it hands on, as well as a workshop, barn and terrace. His other activities were volleyball refereeing for 21 years, lifelong fishing and hunting activities, sporting clays, white water kayaking and horseshoes. Since he was a child, he read several books a week including the entire World Book encyclopedia set, often reading with one or more cats in his lap and dogs at his feet. Several of his friends have said he was the smartest man they ever knew.
Daughter Rainbow and husband, Billy Tinsley, were his and Minnie's support system during the last two years of his life as he grew weaker. He treasured his three grandsons-Alexander Murray, Hunter and Riley Higgins (sons of Rainbow) and later Kaylea and Brayden Tinsley (children of Billy). He owned numerous dogs and cats all of whom loved him to the same degree as he loved them.
A special thank you during this difficult time goes to the Alberto Martinez family, close friend Larry Bair, and neighbor Christopher Warren.
A mid-March Memorial service is planned.