Obituary of Kenneth Raye Murray

On February 11, 1964, history recorded an event that forever changed the lives of Forrest and Earnie Murray. Making his debut on the world stage was none other than Kenneth Raye Murray. Born in Monterey, California, he was one of seven children born into this union of Love to his enamored parents. Kenneth was affectionately known as Franco by family members; he was also known as Kenny to friends and other family members. He grew up in Pacific Grove, California where he attended school, and graduated from Pacific Grove High School. Kenneth would go on to become an assistant football coach at PG High and later coach football at RLS.

Kenneth worked for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD), he possessed a zeal for the welfare and direction of the youth in his community. He worked at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, where he had a profound effect on the lives of countless youths. Kenneth accepted Christ at an early age and regularly attended Sunday School, Morning Worship, and BTU. Throughout his life he would attend Bay Area Wide District Associations along with various workshops and seminars. Also, he attended Andersonville Theological Seminary; he was an avid student of life, overcoming and conquering many of life’s darts and snares set for him.

Pastor Murray was a gentle giant who loved to help others, he lived his life as a testimony for others to see God’s work in him. He was a soldier of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his unselfish love, caring ways, nurturing heart, mentoring was imparted to any and everyone without respect of persons.

His love for the Pittsburgh Steelers was unshakeable, however his Love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was unbreakable.

…And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!    Romans 10:15

Rev. Kenneth Raye Murray received his call to the Ministry in May 1992, under the Pastorate of Rev. G. E. Hooks, Pastor of Community Baptist Church in Pacific Grove, CA. While there he served as Co-Pastor from 2001-2004, he preached his first sermon on Resurrection Sunday during sunrise service title “There’s Life in the Grave.” He was later installed as Pastor of Community Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully until December 2008. He was later called back to Community Baptist as Interim Pastor. Rev. Murray was installed as the under shepherd at Ocean View Baptist Church of Seaside, CA., in 2015. On March 17, 2024, he preached his last earthly sermon titled, “Shake it Off.” Early Resurrection Sunday morning, March 31, 2024, at 2:32am, a perfect plan was developed by God for Kenneth to return home to Preach his first Heavenly Sermon. God designed the perfect play for him to receive the call and with it, the circle of life was complete.  

Pastor Murray was preceded in death by his father: Forrest Murray and sister Patricia Anderson:

Adopted Brother Gary (Pancho)(Annalisa)Mitchell. He leaves to celebrate his eternal induction into the arms of our Lord and Savior his loving and faithful wife Bridgette Allen-Murray; 2 daughters: Latoya Allen and Shana Allen: Two nieces he helped raise: Catina McLin and Vantoinette Fraley: 3 grandsons, Zechariah, Zuriel and Zavan Alexander. His beloved Mother: Earnie Lee Murray: His brothers Forrest (Silvana) Murray and Frederick Murray: 3 Sisters: Carolyn Harper, Charlene Peffley and Paula (Tim) Kirkland. Sister-in law Robin Freeman, Brother-in law Elvis Don Porter; Father-in-law: Pastor Gabe Chaney.  God Sisters: Alicia Metters, Doris Ellis, and Denise White. A special cousin A.D. Murray. A host of beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins, loved ones, community allies and co-laborers in the ministry. He also leaves behind his Church family, Ocean View Baptist Church who mourns the manganous loss of their loving Pastor but understands he has gone from labor to reward.

A Viewing will be held for Kenneth on Friday, April 19th from 2pm-6pm at Ocean View Baptist Church, 1200 Amador Ave, Seaside, CA 93955.  His Going Home Celebration will be Saturday, April 20th beginning at 11am at Greater Victory Temple Church, 620 Broadway Ave, Seaside, CA 93955.

SPIRITUAL ASSIGNMENTS- COMMUNITY COMMISSIONS - COMMITTEES AND BOARDS

 Co-Pastor Community Missionary Baptist Church 2001

 Pastor Community Missionary Baptist Church 2005

 Interim Pastor Community Missionary Baptist Church 2013

Pastor Ocean View Baptist Church 2015 -Until his passing 2024

California Legislature Assembly 30th District Certificate of Recognition -2024

California State Baptist Convention Young Adult Auxiliary- First Vice President

California State Baptist Convention Young Adult Auxiliary - Vice President at Large

California State Baptist Convention Young Adult Aux- First Vice President Ministers Lyceum 

Monterey Bay Baptist District Association -District Missionary

Monterey Bay Baptist District Association- Dean of Christian Education

Monterey County Commission on the status of Youth- Board Member

Monterey County Board of Supervisors, District 4 Certificate of Recognition-2023

Monterey County I-Help (feeding homeless)- Board Member

Monterey County Black Caucus- Member

Monterey County Domestic Violence Advocate

Monterey County Interfaith Ministers Alliance (feeding community) Founding Member -2008

Monterey County Safe Space Parking (safe space parking lots for those living in their cars)

NAACP Member

St, John District Association- One of the delegates who went to Utah (Feeding Collaboration)

 Seaside Community Youth Outreach (homeless youth) Founder 

Seaside Homeless Commission-Board Member

Seaside Prayer Vigils-Founder/Facilitator

Villa Del Monte (Senior Housing) Seaside Civic League Member

 Seaside Faith Based Mayors Luncheon-Founder-2014

Seaside Blue Ribbon Task Force - Founding Member-2012

Seaside Genesis House (recovery center) Community Advocate-Ally

Seaside Community Youth Outreach (Youth Conference) -2014

Nursing Home Church Services Ministry - 2023

Host of Monterey County Campaign Candidates Forum -

The Only Way Outreach Ministry (Re-entry program, DV Advocate-Founder

Addicts in Christ Recovery Ministry - Co- Founder

HEM Plaza Housing- Civic League Member -Board Member/Owner

Pacific Grove High School- Assistant Football Coach

RLS- Football Coach

 

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