Rev. Curtis Darnell Murray, 67, of Jacksonville, entered the sunset of life on September 2, 2019 at Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville. The son of Sandy and Margaret (Pope) Murray, II, he was born on Sunday, September 9, 1951 in St. Augustine, FL. He was educated in the St. Johns County School District and was a 1969 graduate of W.E. Harris High School, Hastings. Curtis proudly wore #54 as the captain of his high school football team. He attended St. Johns River Community College and subsequently earned a degree in Theology at Zoe Bible College & Theological Seminary.

Curtis exemplified the life of a man with a ministry who was on a mission for Christ and lived the life he preached about. A devoted husband, father, son and pastor, Curtis recognized early in life God's purpose and calling upon his life as well as his potential to please God. He gained great joy through ministering to everyone he encountered. He was a faithful leader whose pastoral ministry made a significant impact on thousands of lives. Curtis never met a stranger and considered everyone he met as his family, and he would always greet you with his warm heart revealed through his infectious smile.

In 1985, Curtis was encouraged by his daughter, Curtrell, to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. He began with a plain vision and has led the church ever since while maintaining the scriptural motto, "Without a vision, the people will perish." His work in ministry commenced in Armstrong, FL, where he was determined to "reach the lost at any cost," at youth migrant farm camps. He served as a youth minister at Moncrief Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville for many years. After enlisting and a brief stint in the United States Army, Curtis became an entrepreneur as a contractor in the farm produce industry. Curtis subsequently became one of Duval County's top auto sales representatives for over 30 years at North Florida Lincoln. His first pastoral assignment was at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, St. Augustine. In 2001, following the completion of his assignment at Antioch, he became Founder and Pastor of No Cross No Crown Christian Faith Assembly, St. Augustine. Despite his physical illness, Curtis continued to shepherd God's people with a warrior's heart.

In addition to his father, Curtis was preceded in eternal rest by his brothers, Raymond, Sandy & Rodney Murray, grandson, Aloysius Murray, Jr., and his dear mother-in-love, Mother Agnes Vickers.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his Elect Lady, partner in the Gospel, best friend, caregiver, and loving wife of 48 years, Carolyn Bodison Murray; children, Artemus Murray, Aloysius Murray, Curtrell (Steward) Washington, Shaun (Richard) Atwater, Katrail (Travis) Williams and Marcel Hamilton, all of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Chardonnay Murray, Curtis Murray II, Jarrell Delancy, Jamar Murray, Nadjoyni Murray, Almaya Murray, Jala' Delancy, Jayde Delancy, Martavia Cherry, Kaden Toomer, Travis Williams, Jr. & Karter Williams, all of Jacksonville; great grandchildren, Malia Delancy & Ja'Kaden Murray of Jacksonville; mother, Margaret (Pope) Murray, Armstrong; siblings, Alphonso (Janet) Smith, Juanita Thomas, Ibe (Serena) Murray, all of Palatka; Rhonda Felder, Ricardo Murray, Jacquelyn (Gregory) Willis, Carolyn (Willie) Fields, Marvin Murray, Meshaun Murray, all of Armstrong; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, George (Beverly) Latson, Temple Hills, MD; Lottie Watson, Jacksonville; Bernice Johnson, Porter (Evangelina "Eve") Johnson, and Willie "Will" (Yvette) Jones, all of Palatka; Agnes (Joseph) Colebut, Bethesda, MD; god-children, Dr. J. Sabrina Simmons, James Smith, Tenny Smith, Jr., Aubreyann Greaves, Deborah (Wayne) Norman, Fredericka Holman, all of Jacksonville; aunts & uncles, Eugene (Edna) Murray and Peggy Joiner, both of Armstrong, Edith (Charles) Harris and Betty Pope, both of Hastings, Faye Pope, St. Augustine; Georgia Bodison Wilson, Walterboro, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and loving friends (too numerous to name) who already miss him profoundly.

Visitation of family and friends will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 13, with a Legacy Memorial at 7 p.m., at The Lord's Temple, City of Refuge, 140 Gilmore Street, Hastings, FL., Bishop Thomas Cave, III, host pastor. Homegoing Celebration will be 11 a.m. Saturday, September 14, at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, pastor. Pastor Julius Perry, of No Cross, No Crown Christian Faith Assembly, St. Augustine, is the Eulogist; Rev. Dr. Quovadis G. Thomas, Sr., Pastor/Teacher, Greater Moncrief Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville, is the officiant. Interment with military honors will be at Oak Hill West Cemetery.