John Murray

John Peter Murray, Pete, passed away on May 4, 2013 in Ruidoso, NM. He was born on December 22, 1933 in Lubbock, TX to R.J. and Helen Murray. He graduated from Arlington High School. He earned a BBA and MA from Hardin Simmons University. He was one of four NCAA Division I athletes to ever participate in 2 team victories on the same day: HSU over Texas Tech afternoon football and HSU over Midwestern State University evening basketball in 1956. While at HSU he met Anita Louise Mullino. They were married on April 12, 1958 and were devoted to each other for the next 55 years. They have two daughters, Melissa Murray and Melanie MurrayGerzik.

Pete coached at Brownwood High School for six years before becoming offensive coordinator for Texas AI from 196669 during which time the squad went 3580, won a national championship and was national runner up. The Javelinas captured three Lone Star Championships during the span. In 1970 he took the position of head football coach at Lubbock Estacado High School where he coached five seasons before taking a position at H.M. King High School. After being with the Javelinas 197684 he returned to King High School as Athletic Director and head coach until 1990.

Pete was a gifted athlete and coach. Honors he received include: Most Outstanding Athlete HSU 195657 Redskins training camp 1957 Lubbock Avalanche Journal Coach of the Year 1970 Coastal Bend Coaches Hall of Fame 1993 Gordon Wood Hall of Champions 2009 HSU Athletic Hall of Fame 2010. In 2001 he was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame. He was also inducted along with the 1969 golf team, the 1969 football team and the 1976 football squad.

Whether you met him a moment or knew him a lifetime, you were struck by his generosity, loyalty and commitment to his family, friends, colleagues and student athletes.

Pete is survived by his wife, Anita his daughters, Melissa and her husband, Kirke Mechem and Melanie Gerzik and her husband Glenn and their son, Benjamin his brother David Murray and 3 nieces. Pete was preceded in death by his father R.J. and mother Helen Murray.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 10, at 2:00 PM at the Logsden Chapel on the Hardin Simmons University campus.

The family has requested memorials to the charity of your choice.