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July 27, 1942 – July 19, 2024

VIDALIA – George Crooks Murray, Jr. of Vidalia passed away on July 19, 2024, surrounded in love by his family. The son of George C. Murray and Mildred (Mickey) Honea Murray, he was born on July 27, 1942, in Ferriday, LA. George graduated from Cathedral High School in 1960. He continued his education at Northeast Louisiana University, where he graduated in 1965 with a degree in Liberal Arts.

After graduating, George served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 and was stationed in Vietnam in 1967.

George attended the Louisiana State University Law Center and obtained his Juris Doctor degree in 1971. He returned to Vidalia and joined the law firm of Falkenheiner and Calhoun. George’s desire to help others led him to continue his law practice until his passing.

George’s dedication to public service spanned decades. In 1978, he was elected Vidalia City Judge. George served the city in that capacity for 38 years. He was well-known for his fairness and ethical values throughout his judicial career.

In 2016, George was appointed as the municipal attorney for the City of Vidalia. He assisted the city in a wide range of issues and maintained the position until his passing.

George was a member of the Central Louisiana Juvenile Detention Facility Authority and later served as its President. He worked to ensure the authority had the proper funding, procedures and policies in place to house children entering the juvenile justice system and to offer rehabilitative programs.

George was an ardent supporter of LSU sports, particularly football and baseball. A people person through and through, George loved tailgating at baseball games, spending time on campus, and building relationships in the stands. He was affectionately called, “The Judge,” by his fellow season ticket holders who became dear friends.

Never one to miss a social gathering, George was involved in many charitable organizations and civic groups. He was a loyal member of the Lion’s Club and Knights of Columbus. George was an enthusiastic member of the Krewe of Phoenix, working tirelessly behind the scenes as a previous board member and offering a helping hand with any task that required volunteers. Reigning as the Krewe’s Mardi Gras King in 2003 was a highlight for George. He went on to participate in the Krewe of Monarchs and Krewe of Krazies. George had an inspirational zest for life and he thrived on celebrating with family and friends.

As a life-long faithful servant in the Catholic Church, George was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Vidalia. He served regularly as a lector and Eucharistic Minister and assisted with administrative matters.

Spending time with his beloved family is what brought George the most joy. He was a loving husband and cherished his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; always in attendance for their school, extracurricular and athletic activities.

George will be remembered most for the genuine kind-heartedness and integrity he displayed throughout his life. He admirably served his country and the City of Vidalia. He lived a fulfilling life, surrounded by people who loved and appreciated everything about him. George possessed the special gift of being able to put anyone at ease with his gentle manner and endearing smile. His love for his family was unsurpassed. He was simply the best “girl dad,” and an even more amazing PawPaw.

George was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter, Karen Elaine Murray, of Baton Rouge, LA.

Family left to cherish the wonderful memories of George are his wife of 59 years, Peggy Kenda Murray; his daughters, Christine Roberts of Ocean Springs, MS and Lisa Taylor (Jeff) of Birmingham, AL; his grandchildren, Mary Katherine Junkin McDonald (Eric) of Foley, AL; Phillip Roberts (Abby) of Vancleave, MS; Claire Taylor of Birmingham, AL; his great-grandchildren, Taurin McDonald of Foley; and Chevy and Anna Kate Roberts of Vancleave, MS; and his siblings, Margaret Murray of Baton Rouge, LA; Eileen Murray Ainsworth (Ray) of Vidalia, LA; and James Murray of Tucson, AZ.

The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Vidalia on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to gather in the church hall afterward.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana, 7389 Florida Blvd. Suite 101A, Baton Rouge, LA 70806-4657, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, P.O. Box 460, Vidalia, LA 71373 or Pleasant Acre Day School, 335 Liberty Rd., Natchez, MS 39120.