Dave was a good friend at USAFA and a kind, gracious human being of whom I have fond memories. I appreciated his warm personality and sense of humor. I rejoice with you that the Lord has received him with a smile. 

I knew Dave while we were classmates at USAFA.  I always remember Dave having a smile on his face.  You will be missed, Dave.  Rest in Peace. - Ben Maltz '77

I met Dave almost 40 years ago when we were in the same F-111F replacement training unit class at RAF Lakenheath in England.  Our small class stayed close during the tour as well as thereafter and Dave and I enjoyed seeing each other whenever our Air Force paths crossed, even serving together at times.  I always admired his calm, professional, and measured approach to every activity, flying-related or staff duty, yet he retained great enthusiasm and a fine sense of humor.  I was able to visit him in his final days and his attitude remained upbeat and fully confident of the path ahead for him and his place in one of “many rooms.”

For over 40 years I have known Dave and family and will miss him dearly. We first met at the F-111 RTU at “scenic” Cannon AFB NM, and he quickly became like a brother. Starting then and over the years at RAF Lakenheath and Langley AFB we enjoyed much laughter and family times together. His exceptional ability to stay calm and focus while in the cockpit or on stressful staff work, always led to excellent results. I will miss our intermittent chats to catch up, laugh, and to listen to his sage advice. To all his family members, my sincere condolences and prayers for strength each day as you miss Dave. I too will miss him, but I am encouraged by the words of Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3). I will not say goodbye to my brother Dave, but that I look forward to when we meet again. 

We served together at Plattsburgh AFB, NY.  I remember Dave as a dedicated airman who was always up to the task at hand. We shared many rounds of golf together in many different locations. I just wish that he had taken my advice and retired at 60.  So he could have enjoyed the things he worked so hard for in life. No mulligans here but I will meet you on the tee box someday.

I knew Dave from our time, as classmates, at the Air Force Academy.  While we were never in the same Squadron at the Academy, or on the same aircrew in the Real Air Force, it is a wonderful testament to Dave that I knew, liked, and remembered him across the intervening 45+ years.  Dave was always smiling and that's how I will remember him.  Dave, I pray that your family always finds comfort and happiness in their many memories of you.  So, stand easy, my Friend.  Here's a toast...Your Friend and fellow Texan,  Ben (I.B.) Maltz

'77

Great Memories at USAFA and serving together at RAF Lakenheath, England. Dave always had an easy and ready laugh. I was surprised to see his name and picture from the Association of Graduates. Our paths go in different directions, but a picture triggers fond memories. My sympathies and prayers for his family. Gone far too soon, but now with our Lord, I know he will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Mike Levenhagen Class of 1977.

As a classmate and squadron-mate of Dave's at USAFA, I remember him as a genuinely nice person who lived his values and worked to bring people together.     You were too young to join the ancestors. 
   Peace to you, and to your family and friends as they/we cope with losing you.        --Ron Small, USAFA '77, CS-23

Words can't ease the grief you must feel; but know Richard, as well as his family, are in my thoughts and prayers. May you take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord now, looking down on all of you with love and pride!

With sincerest condolences,   Joseph P. Alfano, USAFA '77 Classmate

On behalf of the members of the US Air Force Academy Class of 1977, I extend the thoughts, sympathy, and prayers of the Class to Sandra, Michelle, and Danielle.  RIP, Dave.  

Praying for comfort for the family. God bless you all.

David became our JetBlue pilot in Burlington Vermont. Our family felt special when he was  flying us to and from New York. May we meet again. Dr. Victor  and Anne Ratkus 

Dave, you have and will be missed. So many memories at Plattsburgh AFB. Loved making you laugh. Glad we spoke on the phone. I still remember our fist flight to Richmond Bombing Range. We about laughed the entire flight. God bless you buddy and thanks for the moments we had... George Andino

Oh My, where to begin? 
David and I met in 2002 as we moved next door to each other in new homes at Vermont National Country Club in South Burlington. Our townhouses shared a wall and my two boys were close in age to Danielle and Michelle. 

Although we moved to another neighborhood nearby, Dave and I would get together for a meal, some football watching or a round of golf.

Being just a year younger than Dave, I was looking forward to retiring and having more time to hang-out.  It was devastating to hear early last year when he shared he had stage 4 cancer.  So unfair.  Here’s a guy who obviously gave his all to everything he did, who had worked hard, who saved, who planned, and who set life up to live with gusto after Jet Blue. If anyone deserved more time on this earth it was Dave.

Dave was one of the most thoughtful, generous, considerate people I’ve ever met. He took care and looked out for everyone around him. OK, so you had to be comfortable following “the Dave checklists”, but good gracious, pretty modest stuff in return for an awesome friend. Quite simply, I learned a bunch from Dave about being a better human being. 

Wow, was he regimented when he first retired from the Air Force and geez it was funny to see how much he chilled over the years. And, in visiting Dave’s house in Vermont, who couldn’t notice that for a guy, he had a lot of shoes.  Random points, right?

What’s not random is Dave loved Danielle and Michelle, you could just tell.  While they might find it hard to believe, yes he loved them more than, yep, more than the Cowboys.

It was perfectly befitting for him to leave us all with another valuable life lesson as he departed this earth: “Treat each day as precious and focus on what you can control." 

Dave became one of my very best friends and I will miss him dearly.  Thank you for everything David.  



I have many wonderful memories of driveway gatherings in Vermont. I am so sorry we all lost you so young and send condolences to all of his family. 

Dave Murray, was a very kind and considerate "Brother in Law".  
Dave  had a great sense of humor and always had a story to share.
I  admire his courage and ability to maintain his focus throughout his life. 
Rest in Peace Dave!
Love, Kevin O'Keefe
   

I had the privilege of knowing Richard David Murray during my Flight Attendant career at Jetblue . I flew with him in command on many occasions and always found him to be kind, thoughtful and considerate of his fellow crewmembers. News of his passing is sad and makes us look at the precious bonds we have with friends and family and how quickly they can be ended. Rest In Peace.

Our thoughts and prayers reach out to all of David's family. We know he will be missed in so many ways.
May God comfort each and every one of you.

We love you,
Chris and Carol Murray Westbrook

OBITUARY

Col. Richard David Murray, Jr.

September 25, 1955 – March 29, 2022

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

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