George Craig Maughan Murray

George Craig Maughan Murray passed away at the age of 72 quietly in his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 6, 2012, after a valiant battle with brain cancer.

Craig was born December 31, 1939 in Logan, Utah to Celia Poppleton Maughan and Kenneth Bailey Murray. He spent his younger years in the Cache Valley area graduating from South Cache High School where he served as Senior Class President and was very active and successful in sports.

He enlisted in the United States Army serving two years in Germany. After an honorable discharge, he accepted a football scholarship at Utah State University. He had a successful collegiate career and was named All-American. He was also the first recipient of the Wayne Estes Memorial award as the top athlete of the year. He loved football, his coaches, team members, and the support of the community. After graduating, he was recruited by both NFL and Canadian Football teams to play professional football. He had a successful career playing for the British Columbia Lions.

On April 24, 1965, Craig married his eternal companion, Marie Hulse. They are the parents of eight children, Kurtis Murray (Charie); Eric Murray (Shelli); Lance Murray (Natalie); Cody Murray (deceased); Heather Stuart (Danny); Trevor Murray (Tiffany); Jason Murray (Heidi); and Nicholas Murray (Lauren).

He was a school teacher and coached football at Idaho Falls High School and Clearfield High School where he was a positive influence for many youth. He truly enjoyed teaching and coaching.

Craig was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities. He served diligently in many Ward and Stake callings and was a faithful home teacher.

He and Marie served an 18 month mission to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. They served in the northern part of the country in the wonderful city of Edernet. They loved the mission, the people, and the country.

Craig was an example to everyone and he endured valiantly to the end. He never complained or questioned why he had been burdened with his illness and was willing to accept the test. He always recognized and felt the "tender mercies" of our Heavenly Father.

He is survived by his wife, children, 26 grandchildren and four sisters, Carma Gibbs, Emma Jean Allen, Susanne Buttars and Rochelle Hamblin. He was preceded in death by his son Cody, grandson Cory, parents Kenneth and Celia and brothers Guy and Berkeley.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all of the medical personnel at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, Tanner Clinic and Applegate Homecare and Hospice that cared for Dad during the past 32 months.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 11th at 11 a.m. at the Syracuse Jensen Park Ward Chapel, 3024 South 1200 West, Syracuse.

The family will meet with friends Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road and Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery.