Obituary of Pastor Ernie L. Murray, Sr.

Ernie Lee Murray, Sr. entered the world on January 14, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida as the son of Wilhelmenia Brown Murray and James Murray, Sr. He was affectionately known to many as “Papa” or “Pastor”. Ernie joined the Mt. Ararat Baptist Church at the age of nine and was baptized by his pastor, the late Reverend Dallas J. Graham. He received his formal education in Duval County Public Schools. On January 14 1957, at the tender age of twelve (on his birthday), the Lord called Ernie to preach. That is a day he always remembered and treasured. He stood on a box and preached for about ten to twelve minutes, and Pastor Graham pulled him down. Ernie then began to cry. Pastor Graham looked at him and inquired as to why he was crying. Ernie told him that he was not finished. His response to Ernie was, "Not to worry, for you will have a lifetime to preach." Ernie was ordained at the age eighteen, and two years later, he was called to pastor in Sanford, Florida at New Calvary Baptist Church. After five years in Sanford, Ernie was then called to Jersey City, New Jersey to Mount Olive Baptist Church, which had become the second church he lead as pastor. During Ernie’s sixteen year tenure at Mount Olive, the Lord allowed him to facilitate and spearhead building a brand new church. In God’s timing, the Lord showed Ernie favor and called him back to Jacksonville, FL to the lead St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church Family. He recently had the privilege and distinct honor of celebrating thirty-eight years until retirement. A few of Ernie’s most notable accomplishments while shepherding at St. Thomas includes the vision and completion of building a new St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church in 1997 and the St. Thomas Family Life Center in 2006. He also envisioned and established the Joyce A. George Food and Clothing Pantry in 2005 and later the St. Thomas Child Development Center in 2008. St. Thomas is where Ernie preached his second sermon, under the leadership of Pastor W. C. Neal. In each of the churches Ernie had lead as pastor, Pastor Neal played an integral and intimate role. Ernie attended his first National Baptist Convention at thirteen or fourteen with Pastor Neal. Pastor Neal preached Ernie’s first revivals in Sanford, FL at Mt. Calvary and in Jersey City, New Jersey at Mt. Olive. After forty-nine years, God allowed Ernie to assume pastoral leadership behind such a great man. Ernie was a pastor who was a gifted preacher and spiritual mentor to many, and he is now at peace in the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ. Pastor Ernie Murray made his triumphant transition to glory on February 28, 2025, with his eyes looking toward Heaven. Assuredly, the angels rejoiced at his arrival. He has found peace and joy in his Father’s house. Ernie is preceded in death by his parents: Wilhelmenia Brown Murray and James Murray, Sr.; brother: James Murray, Jr.; sister, Janie Murray; and grandson, Joshua Brown. On March 6, 2021, after 15 plus years of dating, Ernie married the gift that God had given him, whom is First Lady Gracelia McClenton-Murray. Pastor Ernie L. Murray, Sr. leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife, First Lady Gracelia McClenton-Murray; son, Ernie L. Murray, Jr. (Renae); daughters: Sarah Terry and Sendy Brown (Kwesi); stepchildren: Reshad Richardson, Brandon Davis-Little (Mandrell) and Jad’e Clemons; grandchildren: Sidney Terry, Rodney Terry, Ashley Murray, Elizabeth Murray, Tarah Celestine, Jamal Celestine, Sekou Brown, Semira Brown, Diarra Brown and Damali Brown; eight great grandchildren; sisters: Doris Lee, Ida Williamson, Wilhelmenia Muller and Valeria Robinson (Pastor Anthony); brother, Pastor Matthew Murray (Geraldine); mother-in-law, Johnnie Mae McClenton; sister-in-law: Terrilyn Clark (Leroy); brothers-in-law: Ricky McClenton (Janice), Darryl McClenton (Candy), Tony McClenton, James McClenton (Markisha) and Charles Owens (Cheryl); special dearest friend, Naomi Tookes; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, many devoted friends, and the St. Thomas Family. We extend a “Special Thanks” to his Caregivers: Izora Erwin, Lauryn Albertie, Barbara Jean McCloud, Angela Quigley, Cassandra Allen, Lillie Goshay, Connie Alexander-Simmons, and Sheila Baker, also to his Health Care Advocate, Carrence Bass and the Riverside Post Acute Care Staff. Celebration of Life for Pastor Ernie L. Murray, Sr. will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 12NOON in the St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, 5863 Moncrief Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209. Visitation will be held at the CHURCH on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 4PM-7PM. A Reflection Service will be held from 5:30PM-6:45PM. Entombment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery. Services in the care of: Coleman Walker Berry Funerals & Cremations 5660 Moncrief Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32209 Phone: 904-768-0507| Fax: 904-768-9777