| Excerpt from Hall of Fame Induction Program | Emmett Murray, Jr., M.D.
Lima Central High School Class of 1943
Some say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. This definitely rings true for Emmett Murray, Jr., a Lima native who resides in Fort Myers, Florida. Although he is no longer living in Lima, his heart will always be here and his memories ensure that a part of him will remain here forever.
Emmett Murray, Jr. was born in 1925 in Lima, Ohio. He went through the Lima City Schools and proudly graduated from Central High School in 1943. After graduation he enrolled at The Ohio State University in the College of Arts and Sciences. He originally planned on working through the war, but encouragement from many people he respected changed his mind; it changed his life forever. He enlisted in the Army ROTC program. Studies were interrupted during his freshman year when he was called for active duty in 1944. He went without hesitation. Emmett trained and worked as an x-ray technician in France. In 1946 he received an honorable discharge from the Army maintaining the rank of sergeant.
When Emmett returned from Europe, he continued his studies at Ohio State and received his medical degree in 1952. His medical practice lasted for 42 years. During that time he gained respect, popularity, and friendship from his patients. He was an imaginative storyteller and had a relentless sense of humor always having a way of easing the tension in an ordinarily unpleasant situation. Dr. Murray continued his career by becoming the Chief of Staff at Lima memorial Hospital from 1982-84. In 1990 he became the Associate Medical Director at Crown Control in new Bremen.
His commitment and passion for the Lima City Schools never faded after he graduated. During the 1960s he was elected and served on the Lima City Board of Education, even serving as President. The 1960s proved to be an influential and pivotal time in history.
In 1999 Emmett recorded some of his memories in his book entitled Come Reminisce With Me while living in Ft. Myers. The emotion and passion behind his words transferred to his readers. His presentation at the Lima Museum drew the largest crowd ever. His dedication to Lima and his work was evident and powerful. His memories will remain forever in his book and in the hearts of those who know and love him. During the past year D. Murray has completed a booklet entitled More Reminiscences which is about his secondary and college education and military experiences.
In 1949 he married Pauline List and together they raised four children: Dr. Scott Murray, Robb Murray, Cynthia A. Hamblen, and Betsy L. Fowler. |