Bennett G. Murray
1935-2022
Ben was born on November 8, 1935 in Big Pool, Maryland to William Franklin Murray and Bessie Lurena (Miller) Murray.
He was blessed to have praying parents who led him to appreciate and respect the Lord, thus leading to his salvation at age 10. Although he did not lead a Christian life during High School and early College, he rededicated his life to Christ in 1960 at the age of 25.
It was through a Divine healing of his oldest son who had Leukemia that he really had his eyes opened to the Miracle Power of God! This was about 58 years ago and there is no Leukemia today! Praise the Lord!!! It was also at this time that God called Ben from his teaching profession to full time Ministry.
He graduated from Clear Spring High School in 1954 and went on to obtain an AA degree from Hagerstown Junior College in 1956, a BS degree from Frostburg State College in 1958 and a Master’s degree from Frostburg State College in 1966. From 1958 – 1968 he was a School Teacher in Washington County, Maryland as a TV Administrator and Instructor. In 1965 he became an Ordained Minister with the Churches of God in North America and President of The Local Denomination. His Pastorates included Orchard Ridge First Church Of God, Hancock, Maryland and Sharpsburg First Church Of God in Sharpsburg, Maryland and Mount Hope Gospel Church in Needmore, Pennsylvania.
After being a Pastor for several years, he became interested in Jail and Prison Ministry in 1971 and he and his wife, Darlene, have dedicated themselves to this area as well as Evangelistic work for 50 years. Active in ministering to “rejects” in society (jails and prisons), through Jail and Prison Ministry and as an Evangelist, teacher in prayer groups, prayer and praise meetings, teaching sessions, family, finance and prison seminars, He had weekly radio broadcasts WCST, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia and WQSA and WBMD in Baltimore, Maryland. He was active in Church camps, street ministry, and other youth activities. He was Director of Prison Ministry Outreach, a division of Mount Hope Incorporated, where he served as President. He was Secretary of Executive Board of Directors for Coalition of Prison Evangelists, (C.O.P.E.), a national prison ministry which ministers in U.S. and Canada. He was an elder at Faith Chapel in Hagerstown, Maryland and also an advisor to Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International – Hagerstown Chapter as well as Woman’s Aglow Hagerstown Chapter and Youth Aglow Hagerstown Chapter. He was the Executive Director of R.O.A.D. To New Life Ministries in Millersville, Maryland and one of the Beloved Pastors of The Church of The Good Shepherd in Winchester, Virginia.
He was married to Lenore Darlene (Vann) Murray for 62 years and he was the last surviving child of ten. He is survived by his loving wife; one daughter, Cherie Darlene Evans, husband Paul and son Michael; two sons, Gregory Bennett Murray and wife Debbie including his children, grandchildren and great grandson, the only great-great-grandson of Ben; and William Vann Murray, wife Gwen and daughter Erica, of Hagerstown, Md. He is also survived by three sisters in law and many nieces and nephews. Ben loved his wife and all of his family dearly and they all loved him. He never met a stranger and he was always interested in their well being. He wanted to make sure all would be in Heaven with Jesus and with him. Goodbye Sweetheart! We love and miss you.
One day we will walk hand in hand again-together! Memorial contributions may be made to Darlene Murray; R.O.A.D. To New Life Ministries; c/o Jim Roberts, Treasurer; 3615 Maroon Lane; Bowie, MD 20715.
