Rusty Murray

Rusty Murray (Lewis Rutledge Murray, Jr) was born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 12, 1947. When he was young he enjoyed summers working at Camp Winnataska, youth group at Woodlawn Methodist Church, and running track at Woodlawn High School, where he graduated in the class of 1965.

He attended college at Auburn University, and was the Grand Master of his Fraternity, Kappa Sigma, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. He dated Leigh Callahan while they were both students at Auburn and they were married in Birmingham in December 1969.

In June 1969, Rusty reported to flight school at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. Relocating to Imperial Beach near San Diego, he served two tours as a search and rescue pilot in Vietnam, flying Naval helicopters while stationed on the USS Enterprise and USS Ranger. He often told the story of his most enjoyable flight which was piloting Miss America during her 1971 USO Tour. He ended his active career with the Navy in 1974. 

Rusty and Leigh settled in the southern suburbs near Denver, Colorado, raising daughters Leigh-Ellen and Beth, while building many valued friendships. The family enjoyed skiing, camping, traveling and returning to Alabama to visit family in Birmingham, Lake Martin and Navarre Beach in Florida. Rusty spent his career in electrical contracting and distribution, and retired from Consolidated Electrical Distributors where he made many treasured, lifelong friends. 

In retirement, Rusty spent his time traveling the US and internationally with Leigh and their friends, golfing, taking his boat for sunset cruises at Lake Martin in Alabama, and enjoying the company of his many friends, family and his dog Thatcher. 

Rusty’s parents were Lewis Murray Sr. and Marybelle Murray. He is celebrated lovingly by his wife Leigh Murray, daughters, Leigh-Ellen Murray and Beth Murray, sons-in-law Calvin Beasley and Jed Curl, grandchildren Munro and Embeth, his brother Mickey Murray, and sister-in-law Bonnie Murray, sister-in-law Dale Quiggle and her husband George. His beloved nieces and nephews include John Michael and Catherine Murray, Wes and Karmine Quiggle, and Marc and Leslee Quiggle, in addition to many dear cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and a great-great niece. 

Rusty left a lasting impression wherever he went. Those who knew him have stories about his humor, energy, colorful personality and friendliness. To honor Rusty’s life, a service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado, on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. An additional Celebration of Life is planned for July 2024, with details to be shared soon. Please feel welcome to join the family, share stories and celebrate his memory.