Merrick C. "Bud" Murray

Merrick "Bud" C. Murray, 89, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Born in 1936 in Miami, Florida, Bud lived a life marked by adventure, service, and devotion to family. In 1957, he married the love of his life, the late Madeleine Murray, during their years performing with Holiday on Ice. As one of the show's principal skaters, Bud captivated audiences with his extraordinary talent and daring barrel-jumping performances, leaving a lasting impression wherever he skated.

In 1959, Bud was drafted into the United States Army and later enlisted in 1962, beginning a distinguished military career that would span more than 26 years. A highly trained and extensively experienced aviator, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Murray was trusted with the most sensitive and demanding missions as a Pilot-in-Command and dual-certified pilot. In addition to his flight duties, he served as a Standardization Instructor Pilot (SIP) and Instrument Flight Examiner (IFE), dedicating countless hours to the development and execution of comprehensive aviator training programs that significantly shaped the proficiency and safety of future Army aviators.

Bud's exemplary service was recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Master Army Aviator Badge, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Following his military retirement, Bud continued his passion for aviation as a commercial pilot and later retired as Chief Pilot for NASA-an achievement that reflected both his expertise and unwavering professionalism.
Bud was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Rodney) Cain and Joanne (Michael, preceded in death) Corby; granddaughter Amanda (Joe) Meyers; grandsons Ryan (Victoria) Cain, Kyle Cain, Dustin Corby, Brett (Lauren) Cain, Derek Corby, and David Corby; and seven beloved great-grandchildren.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Kids Without Christmas in Bud's memory. Those wishing to share a message or a story are invited to visit Bud's memorial page at www.islandcremations.com.

Bud will be remembered for his courage, generosity, quick wit, quiet strength, and the extraordinary life he lived.

Mass will be celebrated 11:00AM, Saturday, January 24, 2025, at Ascension Catholic Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Florida Memorial Gardens.