John Byron Murrey

A true Texas car salesman to the end, on May 22, 2026, John Byron Murrey traded his “mortal coil” for an eternity in paradise with his savior, Jesus Christ.

Johnny was born on October 26, 1948 in Dallas, Texas to Paul and Mae Murrey, the younger brother of Paul David Murrey, who all proceeded him in death. They made their home in Kaufman where Paul established the local Ford dealership.

In 1970, on a blind date at the Plazza Theatre, Johnny met the love of his life Laura Stallings, who he married two years later, and who steadfastly honored her promise to love him through “good times and bad, and in sickness and in health.” From that union came: Amy Murrey Jordan, his favorite daughter, and Elizabeth Murrey O’Donnell, his other favorite daughter. The two favorite daughters gave Johnny his greatest treasures, his granddaughters: Hadley, Mae and Hunter.

John took great pride in being a sportsman. He hunted deer with his best friend Benson Mitchell (and others) throughout central Texas. He caught prize bass from Lake Guerro, Mexico. He owned thoroughbred racehorses. And (except for one occasion) he was always one step ahead of the game warden on the opening day of dove season.

In business John found success in running Paul Murrey Ford alongside his brother, after their father’s illness and death. That success afforded him the opportunity that he relished most: to give back to his hometown. He gave to Kaufman generously and in numerous ways, but always with the caveat that he received no recognition.

Johnny Murrey’s passing leaves behind a legacy of love for family and community. He was a best friend to many, always the life of the party and left things better than he found them.

A truer Texan, God never built.

P.S. He didn’t just die – he was sick.