Ernest Francis Murray, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Ernest was a long-time resident of Austin, Texas.
Born on May 15, 1943 to parents Grace and Clifford Murray, Ernest grew up in Orange, Texas with his siblings and often shared fond memories of his childhood. Ernest entered the Air Force and served from 1964 – 1968. After leaving the service, he attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following graduation, Ernest moved to Austin, Texas and began working in the Media Arts Department of the Texas Department of Human Services, retiring after 43 years of service.
While working at DHS, Ernest met his sweetheart, Donna, and they married on November 14, 1981. For the next almost 44 years, they built a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter, family, and their beloved dogs and cats. From Peach and Elsie to Ridge and Dan, and every dog and cat in between, Ernest loved them all and liked nothing more than to be in his recliner with a dog or cat in his lap and a favorite tv show on to nap to. His love of pets led Ernest to be a long-time donor to the ASPCA and to rescue more than one stray cat, giving them the best life.
Ernest was a talented artist and musician with a quick wit and sense of humor. He shared his love of music with his children and grandchildren, introducing them to the artists and music that would become the soundtrack to the best memories of their lives. Ernest was the smartest person in the room (although he would deny it) with the best stories, the funniest jokes, the wisest advice, and the most endearing smile. His immense love for Donna and dedication to her and their marriage, through it all and in spite of themselves (John Prine reference for those that don’t know), has been an inspiration to many and the evidence to all that true love does exist. To say that he will be missed is a gross understatement and wholly inadequate to describe the devastation of losing such an amazing man that has so greatly touched and influenced the lives of his family and so many others.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents Grace and Clifford Murray; brothers Father Bernard, Jimmy, and Russell; and sister Virginia.
Ernest is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter Deanna (William); son Dustin; grandchildren Dylan (Quinn), J.J. (Cassie), Amethyst, and Kathryn; and great-grandchildren Levi, Johnny, Stori, Truly, Elodie, and Tyler. He is also survived by his sisters Betty and Faye (Randy), sister-in-law Sandy, brother-in-law Woody (Alma), and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and staff on the 3rd and 7th floors of St. David’s South Austin Hospital, as well as Austin and Pablo in valet parking, for their exceptional care and kindness extended towards Ernest and family. Special thanks, as well, to the nurses, doctors, and staff on the 4th floor of St. David’s Rehabilitation Center on 32nd Street in Austin, Texas, and Cardinal Hospice.
A celebration of Ernest’s life will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at 802 Pecan Street, Blanco, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations to the ASPCA in honor of Ernest’s love of cats and dogs would be appreciated.
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