Randolph Murray, Sr.

Randolph Murray Sr. 86 years old of Lake Butler, Florida entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 2,2025. The robe is gone, the voice is still, yet echoes rise on every hill. Your sermons live, your spirit stays, a beacon through our darkest days. No more you stand at the church door, but still you guide us evermore. Through Faith you taught and love you gave; your wisdom is stronger than the grave.

Randolph Murray Sr. was born in Emporia, Kansas on August 28, 1939, to Calvin Mose Felix Harold Murray and Frances Mae Randolph, who were incredibly supportive, self-described as the Best Parents Ever. Randolph received his primary education in Emporia Kansas. Rev. Randolph’s educational journey reflects a commitment to learning obtaining 5 Baccalaureate and 2 master’s degrees. He received a Master of Divinity (MDIV) from Iliff school of Divinity in Denver, CO.

In 1965 Randolph joined the United States Army and served as a chaplain. He was proud member of the military and the sacrifices made by service members who dedicated their lives to protect and defend their country. The essence of his service included providing guidance and comfort to the challenges of military life. He provided religious support to all denominations to ensure all service members can practice their faith.

After Reverend Murray retired from the military he continued to serve his community as a Pastor and a Teacher. His employment journey provided him with many opportunities to provide understanding, acknowledgement and empathy for those in need. Given the opportunity, Reverend Murray would share God’s goodness and Mercy. Of all the positions he held the brightest light was his impact on children in the Lake Butler school system. He was always present when asked to answer a call to volunteer, teach or participate in community activities.

In 1994, he was appointed Pastor of St James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lake Butler, Florida. The members of the congregation have left an indelible mark on my heart. During my tenure as Pastor, our members voted to leave the African Methodist Episcopal Church System. We established a new church, Little Rock Nondenominational Church of Lake Butler, Florida. After much prayer and guidance from God, we laid over cornerstone on January 1, 2012, at 375 Southeast 7th Avenue.

Reverend Murray was preceded in death by his 4 brothers, Calvin Mose Jr., Harold Dean, John Earle, Don Pearl, 5 sisters, Shirley Mae, Thelma Joann, Alice Jean, Viola Beatrice, Mae Francis and his daughter in law Hope Ellen Murray.

Randolph Murray Sr. leaves to cherish his life and continue his passion of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, Randolph Murray Jr. (Tara), Timothy Eric (Murriel Andra) Murray, grandchildren Brian Randolph Murray, Daniel Brandon Murray, Naomi Grace Murray, Kenneth Christopher Love and Ebony Mariah Love. His Little Rock church family, Mrs. Etta Weekley, multitudes of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and his students.

To share his sentiments with his students he would say, “I will cherish the memories of being your teacher and all the lessons we shared. I will miss seeing your smiles every morning, watching you succeed both in school and in life. Stay determined and true to yourself. Stand up for what you believe in and never give up on your dreams.

“I thank my God every time I remember you”. Phillipians 1:3

His last words to all the lives he touched.

“God has done just what he says he will do. He watches over and protects those sheep that hear and choose to follow his voice. I challenge each of you to try him for yourself. I dare you”.