James Lee Murray

James Lee Murray, age 81, of Cumming, GA, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022.  Born on September 29, 1940, in Russelville, AL, Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many.

He was a natural athlete and played football and baseball at Western Kentucky University.  He later coached there and has numerous awards and accomplishments as a player and a coach.  His most prestigious award was being inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Western Kentucky University.  He was the first athlete in WKU history to be named football’s “Most Valuable Player” two straight years as well as serving as the captain of the football team.  He obtained both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at WKU.

He is survived by his wife Gail Murray; daughters, Lee Anne Murray (Joe Rusnak), Susan Murray (Mike Temples), stepchildren, Grant Whitener, Meridith (Derek) Ellington, Jennifer Gallagher; sister, Betty Mitchell; brother, Elmer Murray; and many other beloved family members including his precious step grandchildren that he loved as his own, Taylor Ellington, Meagan Ellington, Corbin Whitener, Braden Gallagher, and Maddox Gallagher.

Lee Lee, (as they all called him) would say, “Thank you for letting me be a part of Gail’s family.  But, in truth, we in the Whitener family were all blessed to have been a part of Lee’s life.”

There will be a small Celebration of Life service to honor Lee on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 3:00 PM, in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home. The family will receive friends between the hours of 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM.  His ashes will be taken to the columbarium on the campus of Western Kentucky University where he will rest “on the hill” of his beloved alma mata.  Another celebration of life will be held in Bowling Green, KY, at a later date.

Ingram Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.