William Benjamin “Ben” Murray, of Chattahoochee, Florida, passed away on May 26, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was 79 years old.
Born on March 29, 1947, Ben was the son of Bryant Murray of Faceville, Georgia and Corine Murray of Chattahoochee, Florida. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marsha Murray of Saint Augustine, Florida, and his brother, Andy Murray.
Ben is survived by his sons, Will Murray and Kevin Murray, along with their spouses and children; his niece, Andrea Murray; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and lifelong friends throughout the Bainbridge, Faceville, and Chattahoochee communities.
Ben proudly served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. In recognition of his honorable and distinguished service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
During his military service, Ben participated in Air Force rescue and special operations-related missions in Southeast Asia. According to family recollections and the stories he shared through the years, he took part in dangerous personnel recovery efforts involving downed fighter pilots and was proud of the lives that were brought home. His service reflected courage, commitment, and quiet dedication to his fellow airmen.
Following his military service, Ben devoted 39 years as an engineer with CSX Railroad, where he was respected for his work ethic, dependability, and steady presence.
Outside of work, Ben found his greatest enjoyment in the outdoors and among family and friends. He loved saltwater fishing along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, attending bird shoots throughout South Georgia, and hunting deer. He especially enjoyed storytelling around the campfire, where memories and laughter were often shared among family and friends.
Though generally a quiet man, Ben was genuine and straightforward. He would not hesitate to let you know exactly how he felt—whether you wanted to hear it or not—and those who knew him appreciated his honesty, loyalty, and authentic nature. His love of the outdoors, fellowship, and family created many lasting memories that will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.
Ben will be remembered for his strength, independence, loyalty to family and friends, and deep roots in the South Georgia and North Florida communities he called home.
A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Sneads Assembly of God in Sneads, Florida. Military honors will be presented by the Honor Guard during the service in recognition of his faithful service to his country.
Ben will be cremated, with a private dispersion of his ashes to take place at a later date.
The family appreciates the many prayers, acts of kindness, and expressions of sympathy shown during this time.
