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VIDALIA, La. — Vidalia lost a long-time town attorney, town judge, all-around “great man” and public servant last weekend.

Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft said he was saddened to learn that George Murray Jr. had passed away over the weekend after he had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

He was “just a great man” who dedicated over 40 years to serving the town in both his official capacity as a judge and as a volunteer in civic organizations such as the Lions Club, Craft said.

Murray was also an avid LSU fan who led a quiet private life but always greeted everyone with a smile.

“That one hurt,” Craft said of the loss of Murray. “When he reached out to me to say he wouldn’t be able to continue on working for the town, I thanked him for all the service he did and offered my prayers. He felt fine but knew what he had ahead of him.”

Murray had been working as the Town Attorney for six or seven years before his diagnosis made him unable to continue, Craft said. On July 1, he appointed Smith Taliaferro & Purvis of Jonesville, Louisiana, to represent the town.

“(Murray) has always been a positive, happy guy and an outstanding attorney,” Craft said. “He served in the armed forces and was a joy to work with. If he told you something, you could count on it and take it to the bank, so to speak. I can’t recognize him enough for the contributions he has made to our town.

“He was also a judge for over 40 years. He commanded respect from everybody and it was well deserved. He’s going to be missed and our prayers are with his family and friends. I count myself as one of those friends. We talked a lot and I can’t say anything negative about him.”

Family members of Murray said he radiated love and kindness and was never dishonest.

This made him a wonderful Town Attorney and Judge as he always acted with fairness and integrity for Vidalia.

He also had a strong faith and love for his family.

“His daughters and grandchildren were his pride and joy,” his niece Jennifer Morris shared. “He just beamed with love when they were around. He loved family fiercely and welcomed everyone from the minute he met them. He was the life of the party without being loud or obnoxious. He impacted so many lives, and he will truly be missed.”