Tom Murray

Here comes Tommy turtle dribbling down the floor, watch out heaven he is ready to lay up a score! Most will remember Tommy Murray's basketball skills, which he obviously inherited from his mother the famous Verna Hadlock of Uintah High School.

Tom was raised with humble means, the high school locker room was his shower for the day. Not only did he love the game on the court, but also the game of life. Coaching an undefeated baseball team and riding the rapids of Hells Half Mile were yearly summer activities.

Tom learned the trade of drywall from his cousin Larry Murray. He built the first modern day log cabin in Uintah Basin which was admired by many. After working construction several years, he finished his bachelors degree in education at Utah State University. Tom retired from the Uintah School District where he was a woodshop teacher, basketball coach, and alternative education director.

Tom loved animals, especially dogs - a man's best friend. At times his corrals were full of all types of farm animals. He knew how to live off the land, butcher his own meat, and grow his own garden. The Fall season is his favorite time of year, the fulfillment of harvest, cooler weather, and the beauty of multicolored leaves.

His four children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren remember him as big and scary especially with that beard. On the same hand, they knew he loved them. He had a big heart not only for family and friends, but also his community, school students, and church members. He loved to serve, help, and care for others as he could. It was common for Tom to invite complete strangers into his home for a warm meal. To Tom they weren't strangers, but brothers in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Tom enjoyed the simple things in life, apple pie with his cousin Foy, a drive in movie with good friend Max Martin driving his hot rod, sourdough pancakes, and the view of Split Mountain. Now he can enjoy his most favorite thing of all, to be back in the presence of heaven with his friends and family, who have also passed on, and shooting a few hoops with his mother!

A graveside service will be held Monday, July 21, 2025 at 8:00AM at the Jensen Cemetery in Jensen, Utah. A visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday evening from 6-8PM at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.