Commander (USCG Ret.) William Stewart Murray, affectionally known as Bill, passed away on June 18, 2024 at the age of 86. Born on October 1, 1937, in Boston, MA. He graduated from Scituate High School in Scituate, MA. He then graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy with the commission of Ensign in June of 1962. His 21 Years of Service included New Bedford, MA, Pensacola, FL, Corpus Christi, TX, Kodiak, AK, Duluth, MN, New York, NY (Governor’s Island), Tampa, FL and New Orleans, LA.
He served as the Executive Officer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Confidence in Kodiak, AK. He spent 2 years patrolling the Bearing Sea, performing search and rescue operations and law enforcement including the seizing of two Russian fishing vessels violating U.S. fishing laws.
Commander Murray served as the Executive Officer for the Marine Safety Inspection Office of Tampa Bay. During his time there he was the lead inspector for the Sunshine Skyway bridge collapse and the sinking of the U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Tender Blackthorn that resulted in the loss of 23 U.S. Coast Guard crew members.
He retired as Commanding Officer for the USCG Marine Inspection Office, New Orleans, LA on 1/31/83. He then volunteered with USCG Axillary and taught sailing and safe boating classes. He also volunteered with the Navy Sea Cadets mentoring young people interested in joining the military for several years.
He was a loving father and would gladly volunteer his time, especially for youth sports programs. He coached many youth teams throughout the years. He was very involved with the youth athletics programs on Govender’s Island in New York, helping to set up leagues for youth to participate in.
William is preceded in death by his brothers, Bob Murray and Andy Murray. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rosalie Murray; Brother, Sandy Murray, three sons, David Murray, Jim Murray, John Murray; daughter Karen Ferguson; six grandchildren, Devin Ferguson, Mackenzie Ferguson, Alyssa Murray, Sean Murray, Kayleigh Murray, Shane Murray.
Services will be held in his honor on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024 at Bay Pines National Cemetery at 12:30 PM.
So sorry for your loss. Bill always had great stories to tell about his years in the service.
I was extremely sad to hear that Bill had crossed the bar. He was an outstanding Coast Guard Officer and a true gentleman. The last time I saw he was at Clearwater Marina where I was Harbormaster and he was very active in his Coast Guard Auxiliary dues. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Please remember that he is in a better place now and he will not be forgotten by his shipmates. God bless his soul.
Bill Held CWO, USCG (ret)
My wife, Camille, and I share a special connection with you. Her maiden name is Murray and her brother’s name was Bill. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to officiate Bill’s memorial. I have a deep sense of gratitude for his service to God and our country. May you be comforted in this season of life. May you feel God’s loving embrace and the peace that passes human comprehension. My sincerest condolences, Pastor Nelson