William Murray

Life Reflections
Mr. William “Hat” Murray was born on June 22, 1929 to William Murray and Alma Speights Murray in Bessemer, Alabama. He attended the Bessemer Public School System and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1947. Upon completion of high school, William entered the United States Army and served in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged in 1951, he returned home and enrolled in Miles College. During his time at Miles he played football and was on the only undefeated team at Miles College in 1954. Once William graduated he was employed by the Bessemer School System serving in many capacities such as: teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal. During this time he was also the head coach for the Carver High Bulldogs of Bessemer. Continuing to expand his education he received his Master’s Degree from Alabama State University in Education. Returning to his beloved Alma Marta, Miles College, he served as a guidance counselor and a member of the coaching staff. William went on to Lawson State Community College where he was a Student Coordinator, Assistant Dean, Dean of Students and Extension Programs. After retiring from Lawson State College he was appointed to the Fairfield Board of Education where he served two years as President. In 2000 he was elected to the Fairfield City Council and served until 2012. For many years William was the Sunday School teacher of the Martin Luther King, Jr. class until his health begin to fail. William was a member of the American Legion, Retired Teachers of Alabama and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He was preceded in death by: loving wife of 60 years, Marquetta Murray; daughter, Jeri Gail Higgins; brothers, Bob and Charles Murray. Left to cherish his precious memories: son, Derrik "Rick" Murray (Blanche); grandchildren, Derrik, Jr., Mallorie Katrina, Charles Burgess Chevonne and Roderick McMillian, Toborris Amon Corbett (Keturah); six great grandchildren including Alyssa Kamryn & Zayden Derrik; sister, Betty Hood; special nephews, Dr. Gordon Fears (Theresa) and Attorney Yusuf Olufemi (Nailah); godson, Frederick G. Dudley, II (Tina);goddaughter, Dr. Yvette McPherson; longtime friend, Fredrick G. Dudley, Sr. (Katherine) and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends .