Gerry Murray, former KC and Real Mona footballer, passes on
Gerry Murray, the former Kingston College (KC) and Real Mona footballer, died on September 15 at his home in Red Hills, St Andrew. He was 75 years old.
His younger brother, Richie Murray, confirmed his passing in an interview with Observer Online. He did not disclose the cause of death.
Murray went to KC after attending Jamaica College up to fifth form. He played at outside right on the KC team that won the 1967 Manning Cup, scoring one of the goals in the final, a 2-0 win over Excelsior High School.
Murray earned a scholarship to Michigan State University, where he majored in mechanical engineering. His teammates there included former KC players Trevor “Jumpy” Harris and Tony Keyes, as well as Lennox Robinson, who played for St George’s College.
During the 1970s, Murray played as a defender for Real Mona. His teammates included Stewart Stephenson, Peter Moses and Ian Bond.
His brother, Richie, remembers him as, “A humble person who was not into fanfare.”
Stephenson, who grew up in the Mona community with the three Murray brothers (the youngest being Michael) described him as, “An excellent player, very intense and competitive. Gerry didn’t like to lose.”
Stratton Palmer, his strike partner in the 1967 KC team, shared those sentiments.
“Gerry was a quiet individual who loved the game of football. He was soft-spoken and down to earth,” said Palmer.
The Murray brothers were born in Browns Town, St Ann but moved to Mona in the early 1960s while that St Andrew housing scheme was still under construction by the Matalon family. They lived at Buttercup Drive, across from Buttercup Park, the neighbourhood’s football field.
Along with Stephenson, they were part of the Real Mona teams that won the Masters League competition in 1990 and 1993.
Gerry Murray is survived by his wife Carmen, children Omari (former Vaz Preparatory and St George’s College player) and Melissa, four grandchildren, his brothers, nieces and nephews.
The thanksgiving service for Gerry Murray takes place on October 18 at the Church of The Ascension in Mona, St Andrew.
