John Murray

At the ripe age of 89, John Murray passed away at his home in Cartersville GA on June 8, 2023, his son and daughter by his side. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Knight Murray. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Murray Hickam (Mike), his son James Michael Murray, and his grandsons John Carl Hickam and Patrick Nash Hickam.

John was born the youngest of five boys in Atlanta, GA on January 9, 1934. His early years were spent in Georgia. His family later relocated to Washington D.C. then Richmond VA. He did not like school and could not wait to graduate so he could “move on”. College was not for him. After spending a weekend on the Rappahannock River and observing commercial aircraft flying overhead, he decided that would be a good way to make a living. He took is first flying lesson in May of 1953 at the age of 19.

After several years of charter flying, he was hired by Pan American Airlines as a Flight Navigator. During his tenure with Pan Am, he traveled the world and proudly boasts that he spent time on the ground in all seven continents. He was hired by United Air Lines as a Flight Engineer in 1961 and flew with them for the remainder of his career, retiring as a Captain in 1994.

He met the love of his life in 1960. Patty Lee was a stewardess on one of his flights. As the story goes, he asked her out several times but she consistently replied, “I’m not going to date an airline pilot”. He tried one last time and she surprised him by agreeing to go on a date. The rest is history. They were wed in June 1961. They began their life together in Sewickley PA, later settling in Fairfax VA, Gettysburg PA, and Avon Lake OH as John’s career carried him to different domiciles. They moved to Cartersville GA in 2000, upon the birth of their second grandchild. John’s wife of 41 years, which he affectionately referred to as “Beautiful, Wonderful”, passed away in May 2003.

One of John’s favorite bible passages is Galatians 5:22 and 23: “But the fruit of the Sprit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” These fruits of the spirit beautifully describe the man that his family and friends knew and loved. He will be remembered for being “old school” and for his enjoyment of simple pleasures, gift of hospitality, sense of humor, love of music, and great faith.

John was quick to tell you that he had a blessed life. It was certainly a life well lived. His family takes comfort that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Thanks be to God!

Graveside Services will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 13th of June, 2023 at Sunset Memory Gardens with Rev. Rusty Gunter officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Mike Hickam, John Hickam, Nash Hickam, Brad Burel, Wayne Buchanan and Bob Wheeler.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o'clock in the evening until eight on Monday, the 12th of June, 2023 at Owen Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Mr. Murray's honor to Advocates for Children at www.advochild.org or 113 Douglas St., Cartersville, GA 30120 or the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter at www.goodneighborshelter.org or 110 Porter St. W Cartersville, GA 30120.

Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr., Cartersville, GA 30120 is honored to serve Mr. Murray's family during this time.