Bradford Dean Murray

Funeral services for Bradford Murray, 66, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church with Bro. Paul Sevar officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Laird Funeral Home.

Mr. Murray passed away on July 21, 2023, in Nacogdoches. He was born on October 16, 1956, in Nacogdoches.

Brad led a humble, quiet, joyful life with his beloved wife, Karen. They traveled together to many amazing places and saw some breathtaking sights, but his favorite trips were the ones they took to the peaceful stillness of Alaska and places where he could fly fish.  They made great memories traveling with family and friends.  He loved being outside, whether he was planting his garden, hunting, cooking on the pit, building something, sitting by the ocean or perched on a chair by the pool... the stillness relaxed his soul.

Brad also had a joy inside of him that delighted in the pure enchantment of life! Brad could laugh heartily when things were not going perfectly and seize the moment and appreciate it. He would be the first person there when anybody needed anything... he never waited to be asked, he merely jumped right in and did what needed to be done. He accepted people for what they were and never tried to change them.  If he loved you, he loved every piece of you.  He was a strong, unwavering, gentle, quiet soul. 

As much as Brad loved peace and solitude, he also celebrated the music of life! He enjoyed rock music, loud IndyCar races, children laughing and Karen's voice; and when given maracas, he would shake them with vigor.  He and Karen were married at the Chapel of the Bells in Las Vegas.  He was honored to be the husband of such a strong, devoted soul mate and he loved her deeply.

Brad had a light about him and an energy that made one feel that everything would be alright when he arrived in his favorite overalls and hat. He could build, fix or overhaul anything.  He was a loving son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle and friend to countless people.    

Brad is survived by his loving wife, Karen; son, Brad Arriola and wife, Jennifer; siblings, Noreita Gartman, Sue Wisener, Hershell Murray & wife, Barbara and Gary Murray & wife, Kathy; sisters-in-law, Kathy Dement & husband, Ronnie, Debra Cummings and Merry Christian & husband, Burton and brother-in-law, Randy Nelson & wife, Linda.  He is also survived by Lacey Chandler and Derek Briley, his “God Children”.  

Brad is preceded in death by his parents, Haskell “Dutch” Murray and Hazel Ethel Hensarling Murray; sister, Betty Fults; brothers-in-law, William Boyd Gartman and Wayne Wisner and his best friend, Hilton Briley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.

Karen would like to offer special appreciation to Carl and Kattie Willeford for their faithful and dependable dedication given to her and Brad during the most trying time of their life.  Their acts of kindness will never be forgotten.

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