Celebrating the Life of Wayne and Norma Murray

On December 18, 2024, we said goodbye to our beloved Norma Blaylock Murray. Today, as we honor her memory, we also celebrate our father, Wayne H. Murray, her husband and love of a lifetime. It’s almost impossible to speak of Norma’s life without mentioning Wayne. Together for 68 years, they shared a love of a lifetime.

Norma passed away peacefully at Orchard Park of Kyle—Kyle, Texas, where she spent her final year. Our family is profoundly grateful to the amazing staff of nurses, CNAs, and caregivers who provided her with such compassionate care and support. 

Norma’s story began in Clarksville, Mississippi, where she was born to Mary and Curtis Blaylock as one of six siblings. She grew up in Texarkana, Texas, attending Texas High School, where she met Wayne—the football star and charming “man about town.” Although they went their separate ways for college—Wayne to Texas Tech and Norma to the University of Arizona—they reunited in Texarkana and soon married, beginning their lifelong journey together.

With their first child Stuart on the way, Wayne began his career running his own machine shop, then worked at Sperry-Rand in Shreveport, Louisiana, where they had their second son, Scott. Later, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where Wayne worked for NASA, and their daughter, Malinda, was born. Wayne was not altogether satisfied with NASA so he hired a headhunter and accepted a position with Allied Chemical in Hopewell VA, where he worked for over a decade as an engineer as an executive. 

While raising their children, Norma dedicated herself to being a homemaker but always longed to finish her education. Once the children were older, she returned to school and graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University. She then enjoyed a fulfilling career as a primary school teacher for 26 years.

Family was everything to Norma. She was our family’s connection. She celebrated all the birthdays and kept track of all the special occasions. She cherished everyday moments—Sunday breakfasts, going out to eat with Wayne. Her daily dose of Jeopardy! while folding clothes. If she could share one final message, it would undoubtedly be: “Come on over. Have a seat!! How have you been?” That was Norma: ever present, endlessly loving, and deeply connected to those she cherished. Especially her sister, Dianne. Dianne we just want to say thank you for all the ways you helped us by being so good to Mom and Dad. They treasured your visits over these last many years. We LOVE you!

Norma’s life was a gift to everyone who knew her. Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love will remain with us always. Let us honor her memory by embracing the simple joys she cherished—gathering together, sharing stories, and holding each other close.

Thank you for being here today to celebrate Norma’s extraordinary life. Your presence means the world to us and, we know, to her as well.