Bishop John Murray

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far.

Philippians 1:23

Bishop John Abe Murray departed his earthly tent to enter into his everlasting home late in the night of Saturday, January 15, 2022.

Born to the late Jake and Lucinda (Prater) Murray in Lamourie, Louisiana, Bishop Murray was a kind man, a faithful Christian servant and a proud soldier.  Well-mannered, well-dressed and well-liked, he lived a full life on earth and thoughtfully prepared his soul for the eternal life to follow. 

He married his first love, Vernette Pollard (Murray) on January 9, 1966.  This union bore two children: John (Andrea) Murray, Jr. and Lester Murray.  They journeyed together until separated by her death. 

Deep in mourning, God led him to his friend, love, travel companion and ultimate caretaker, Patrina Reddin (Murray).  Mourning her own spousal loss, they provided each other support, companionship and a love that survived better and worse, sickness and health.  This blessed union gifted him with three bonus children:  Rhonda (Craig) Rivers, Rosalyn Durant and Roosevelt (Lakesha) Durant, Jr., who will sorely miss him.  Also left to mourn his passing are:  his dear sister Rachel Phillips, whom he loved richly; bonus sisters  Joan Waiters and Catherine Scott; bonus mother, Pearline Reddin; bonus brothers Dan Reddin, Jr., David Reddin, Mike Reddin, Richard Waiters and Elder Willie Scott; a host of grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; fellow veterans; church members and friends, who loved him deeply and will continue to carry him in their hearts and memories.    

In addition to his parents and first wife, he was preceded in death by sisters Diane Hayward and Joyce Murray; brothers Clarence Murray, Willie L. Murray, Matt Murray and Jake Murray.  

“Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:5-6

Bishop Murray was a soldier, for God and country.  Growing up in small-town, central Louisiana, he was graduated from Carter C. Raymond High School (a “state-approved negro high school of Louisiana”) in 1963.  He made the decision to leave the segregated south and hitched a ride to Brooklyn, NY to stay with his sister, Diane, post graduation.  It was there that he continued his education at Brooklyn Community College and was drafted into the United States Army (1964).  He served faithfully for 21 years, including three dark, traumatic tours in Vietnam (1967-68, 1970-71 and 1971-72) that left him with life-altering Agent Orange exposure and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – the impacts of which would not be known or understood for many years.  He retired from military service in 2008 as a sergeant – awarded a bronze star in recognition of his valiance.  His post-military life included work in law enforcement, as a salesman and an entrepreneur, and continued education, earning an associate degree at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC.  He began his walk with Christ as a young man, which led him into ministry.  He led and ministered at various worship houses before landing alongside his mentor and bonus father, Elder Dan Reddin, Sr., here at Christ Temple Holiness Church where his spirit will continue to be felt.

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