Charles Murray, Jr., went home to be with the LORD on Sunday, November 26 at age 90. Born in Springville, AL, in 1927, Charles attended Howard College (now Samford). After his freshman year, he was drafted into the Army for a one year commitment and stationed in New York City. In 1948, he joined the Alabama National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980.
In 1951, he entered a four-year machinist training school at the Anniston Army Ordnance Depot. He transferred to Huntsville in 1955 as a machinist for the Army Ballistic Command. He ended his career as a contract specialist in the Hawk Project Office of the U.S. Army Missile Command, where he retired at age 63.
While living in Springville, Charles commuted daily in a carpool to the Anniston Army Ordnance Depot. Also in the carpool was his future wife Bettie Jane Allgood, whom he married in 1952. They celebrated their 66th anniversary in May of this year.
Charles was ordained as a Deacon at Springville Baptist Church. After he moved to Huntsville, he was a longtime member of Hillsboro Heights Baptist Church and for the last decade, Southwood Presbyterian Church.
Having played semi-pro baseball in his 20s, Charles would later serve as a baseball coach for his three sons—spanning 20 years at the International Little League at Mayfair Park, including a 14-0 season.
After retirement, Charles took up tennis and became a competitive doubles player in the USTA Super Senior division. He developed many life-long friends during this time—playing until he had to stop due to health reasons at the age of 88.
Charles is survived by his wife, Bettie Jane Allgood Murray, and his three sons: Charles Robin Murray (Amanda), and children, Ben and Miranda, Brigadier General Tom Murray (Gwen), and children, 2nd Lieutenant Garrett and Madeline, and John Murray (Barbara), and children, Andrew, Mary Stuart, Kingsley, and Sara Cate. He is also survived by three nieces: Suellen Brown, Sara Beth Blair, and Vivian Ann Clack.
Charles was preceded in death by parents, Charles Murray, Sr. and Ada Jones Murray, and sister, Vivian Giese.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 29 at Southwood Presbyterian Church, 1000 Carl T. Jones Dr. The service will follow at 2 at the church.
Memorials to Southwood Presbyterian Church are welcome.
