[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E18]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO WILLIS ``SNAKE'' MURRAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2009

  Mr. MEEK of Florida. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to 
the life and legacy of the late Willis ``Snake'' Murray, an outstanding 
Floridian who is one of the most unsung leaders of our Miami-Dade 
County community and Florida.
  A native of Miami, Mr. Murray was born to Willis and Mazie Murray on 
October 9, 1923, in Sanford, Florida. One of the distinguished members 
of Booker T. Washington's Class of 1943, he went on to obtain his 
bachelor's and master's degree from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical 
University, and attended postgraduate studies at Barry University and 
University of Miami.
  An avid football fan, Mr. Murray especially enjoyed attending Florida 
Agricultural & Mechanical University and Miami Dolphins football games 
throughout football season.
  Mr. Murray was a volunteer for the Alliance for Aging advocating for 
seniors, the American Cancer Society and the Miami-Dade County Public 
Schools Youth and Elderly Against Crimes Task Force. He was also a 
strong advocate for seniors. Each year he participated in the American 
Cancer Society Relay For Life, which raises money for cancer research 
and programs.
  Mr. Murray was a staunch believer who abided by the dictum that those 
who have less in life, through no fault of their own, should be helped 
by the government, regardless of their race, creed, age, or gender. As 
a community activist, Mr. Murray had a penchant for being at the 
forefront of African-American and other minority struggles in their 
quest for justice and equality. The unabashed and exemplary service 
demonstrated by Mr. Murray was evident in his desire for youth academic 
excellence and political empowerment for disenfranchised Americans. His 
commendable political activism has motivated countless others from all 
political and philosophical persuasions throughout Florida to follow 
his example of unrelenting defense of the ``forgotten man.'' Moreover, 
his charitable actions toward others served as the quintessential 
embodiment of the Judeo-Christian faith.
  Throughout Mr. Murray's commitment as a community activist, he 
remained devoted to his family. He will be missed by all who knew him. 
I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family--his brother, James 
Murray; daughters, Barbara Walker and Karlar Arthur; and four 
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in 
recognizing Mr. Murray's contributions to South Florida. Mr. Willis 
``Snake'' Murray's life was a triumph. He was blessed with a loving 
family who took pleasure in every aspect of his life and his interests. 
He will be remembered as a true pioneer and community activist.

                          ____________________