George Murray

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George Orland Murray, age 93, passed away peacefully at home in Jensen, Utah, August 5, 2025.

He was born in Mount Emmons, Utah, on May 9, 1932, to Mary Loretta Rogers and Earl “Bud” Murray the 3rd of 6 children. His siblings are Lawana, Fontella, Dorthella, Earl Whitney, and Loyd.

George grew up fast learning how to work hard, responsible at a young age with herding cows and all the work associated with farm life. He was also very adventurous and had a stubborn streak, giving his mother much to worry and pray over with his mishaps and illnesses. Her faith brought many miracles to pass. It was at this young age he developed his love for animals and to grow things. There wasn’t an animal or critter he came across that wasn’t soon his pet. He was a friend to everyone he met, very much enjoying school, music and to dance. Winning many awards and much praise with his talents while in school.

After graduating from Altamont High School in 1951, his uncle persuaded him to move to the City, “you’ve been chasing those cows’ tails for long enough” he would tell him. It was while living in Salt Lake City and working for Fisher Baking Co. that he met and married his wife Mary Leone Oliphant; they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in February 1952.

While expecting their first child, he was drafted September 1952 to serve in the Korean War and sent to Fort Ord, California for 16 weeks of Infantry training. He was assigned to the 11th Engineer Combat Battalion Company “A” and spent two months in Eta Jima, Japan Specialist School for Engineer training before being sent to Korea May 1953.

Cpl George Orland Murray returned home August 1954, now able to see his son for the first time, George Orland Jr. who was born April 1953. He and Mary made Roosevelt, Utah their home, having 7 children; George Orland Jr. (Star), JoAnn (Richard Winn), Rodney, Mary Beth (George Dean), Revon (Gary Babcock), Robert (Connie), and ReNae.

Mary passed away December 1980 and George married Vera Hall.. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 20, 1981, having met at a church dance. They have four children: Vera Lyn (Lucky Wall), Vicki Lyn (Sean Searle), Brandon (Taylor), and Quinton.

George worked many jobs, making memories and life long friends everywhere he went. He was always looking forward to meeting people and getting to know them, inviting them to enjoy the things that brought him joy. He maintained a love of animals and had quite the menagerie to the enjoyment of many throughout his life, with schools taking field trips to the “George Murray Zoo”.

He always had beautiful yards and lawns, flowers, trees and gardens; wanting to beautify the world around him. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings and serving multiple stake missions, with a great love of serving in the temple. George loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them, hosting and planning many family reunions, parties, dinners, and get togethers.

You could spend days writing about his life stories and things he did and lived through, but he was most proud of his family: 11 children, 43 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 32 great-great-grandchildren, with a few more on the way.

What a Grand reunion there must be taking place on the other side when you have lived a life as full as George did. We will miss you and think of you often.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Jensen Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing will be held from 10:00 - 10:45 AM.

Burial will be at 2:30 PM in the Bluebell Cemetery with Military honors presented