David Lee Murray was called home by his Father in Heaven on January 31, 2023. He was 76 years old. He was born in Del Rio on September 3rd, 1946. David Lee was raised by his mother and grandparents and spent his formative years in Del Rio.
At 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was then assigned to the Fleet Marines as a combat medic, and soon after left for Vietnam.
He was twice decorated for his service in Vietnam, receiving the Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Combat Operations Insignia, and the National Defense Service Medal.
After leaving the military, David Lee returned home to Del Rio, and worked odd jobs to support himself and his family. After some years, he found his three passions: the railroad, music, and the ministry.
David Lee retired from the railroad after 34 years with Southern Pacific and Amtrak. From there, he began his music ministry, spreading the gospel through word and song.
David Lee had a country band that toured throughout Texas for years, and was also a Christian recording artist with Dimension records.
He had a prison ministry as well. Soon after he became a certified lay minister, serving Methodist Churches in Rocksprings, Barksdale, and Brackettville.
As pastor, David Lee would always say -
“everything’s already ok, you just don’t know it yet” and
“I love you whether you like it or not”.
David Lee is survived by his loving wife of seventeen years Jana; children Christy Reilly, Ted Murray, Jene’ Hurney and husband Tom, Chance Ring and wife Lisa, Ranea and husband Ahmed; grandchildren Joseph, Tatum, Jacob, Zakary and wife Jennifer, Tyler and wife Hannah, Courtney and husband Tyler Wayne, Sara, George, and great grandson Michael, as well as friends too.