O.J. Murray

Otis Jess “O.J.” Murray, 82, of Winters, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, February 18, 2022.

He was born on March 31, 1939, to Charles and Hazel (Upton) Murray in Floydada, Texas. On January 2, 1960, he married the love of his life, Jacka Nell Canady at the 7th St. Baptist Church in Ballinger, Texas, and together they shared 62 beautiful years. O.J. was a collector of many things, including coins and stamps, but especially books. He loved to read. O.J. also held a multitude of offices and positions within many organizations during his life. Including being a Member of the Free Masons of Ballinger Lodge #643 AF & AM;  Past Master of Winters Lodge #743 AF & AM; Past Worthy Patron of Winters Chapter #80 Order of the Eastern Star, District Deputy Grand Master for the 105th. Masonic District in 1981, Member of the Abilene Chapter 159 Royal Arch Masons, District Deputy Grand High Priest, 33rd District, the Grand Council R. & S.M. of Texas, Life Member of the Order of the Silver Trowel of Texas, Life Member in the Grand Council of The Order of High Priesthood for the State of Texas, Past Commander of San Angelo#28 Knights Templar of Texas, Member of The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Waco, Texas, Member West Texas York Rite College #36 at Lubbock, Texas, Life Member of Texas Priory #23 of the Knights of the York of Cross of Honor. O.J. was also a member of The First United Methodist Church in Winters, Texas. Another accolade that he received was being known as the Panther Creek “GO PANTHER’S” Man. He was elected Panther Creek fan of the year, in the 2000-2001 school year, by the Panther Creek athletes.

O.J. is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Hazel Murray, his in-laws Lynn and Maude Canady, and his grandson Dustin Speckels.

He is survived by his wife Jackie Murray, his daughter Tawnya Davis and husband Alan of Coleman County, Texas, daughter Tammy Yarbrough and husband Doug of Ft. Worth, Texas, grandchildren Trent Davis and wife Jenn, Chase Martin, Channing Martin, Coleton Yarbrough, and Menda Speckels (wife of Dustin). O.J. will be greatly missed as well by his great-grandchildren Brylee Speckels, Kelan Speckels, Harper Davis, Emerson Davis, and Carter Davis, as well as his sister Frances Murray of San Angelo, Texas, and his brother Bob Murray and wife Judy of Miles, Texas.

A visitation for O.J. will be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. His funeral service will follow on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at The First United Methodist Church of Winters at 2:00 PM with Tag Green officiating. Interment will follow at Old Runnels Cemetery in Ballinger, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Winters, P O Box 247, Winters, TX 79567.

The family wishes to thank the Winters first responders, doctors and staff at North Runnels Hospital, Winters, Hendrick Hospital, Abilene, and Hendrick Hospice Care, Abilene for the compassionate care given to their loved one.