J.A. Murrie

J.A. Murrie stepped inside the eastern gates of heaven Friday, August 13, 2021 and began singing with the heavenly choir with his next breath.

J.A. was born June 22, 1937 to Olen Speed and Audrey Gertrude (Phillips) Murrie of Avant. He was the oldest of four children. When he was just a toddler the family moved to Seminole and then on to Walters, Oklahoma for a while before returning to Avant. As a young man J.A worked in his father’s filling station where he gained his knowledge of engines, using that knowledge in other areas of his life. As he grew up there were always friends and neighbors who needed help and J.A. gained a reputation of being dependable and willing to work on any project that came his way. He was a carpenter, plumber, bricklayer and all-around expert at figuring out what was wrong and how to fix it. He faced any situation head on and was a straight-shooter, going above and beyond to help anyone who needed it. He didn’t have to be asked. He heard about it and showed up ready to work.

In May of 1960 J.A. met the love of his life when he saw Dorothy Jo Branstetter as she walked down the street in Barnsdall with her sisters. They were married December 31, 1960 and made their home in Avant where they have lived since. J.A. began working as ranch foreman for Roy Glasco at Candy Creek Ranch in January 1960 and gained the respect of many ranchers throughout Oklahoma and beyond. He retired in the fall of 1999 and has stayed busy with family and friends while also making regular trips to Branson.

J.A. leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Dorothy, of the home, his sister, Janette Kellogg of Avant and his brother, Ernest Murrie and wife, Linda, of Dickinson, Texas. Also surviving him are a nephew, Jason Cole, and three great nephews, James, Joseph, and Andrew Cole, all of Avant. He will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched which included many more nephews and nieces than can be listed. He also leaves behind his large family by marriage of brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces of the Branstetter family.

While we may not hear his voice any longer, we will forever remember his love of music, his ability to sing or whistle any gospel song that came to mind, and his deep bass tone. The music still plays in his home and workshop and will continue to remind us of him.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy and the family would prefer a donation to Skiatook Freewill Baptist Church or the Avant School System.