Elton Murray Watkins, 77, of Denton went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy battle with diabetes and lung cancer.

Murray was born on May 20, 1939, in Snyder, Texas. He played the cornet in the band and attended Snyder High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and was stationed in San Diego, California, where he was trained to work on airplane engines. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves until 1962. He married Judy Lee Milton on June 20th, 1959, in Snyder and they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.

Throughout the 1960's, Murray worked at Chevrolet dealerships in Snyder, Big Spring, Midland, Eastland, Arlington and Banner Chevrolet in Denton. He also served as the Fleet Services Superintendent for the City of Denton and the Dallas Independent School District. He attended Cisco Jr. College and North Texas State University. Murray was a Reserve Deputy for the Denton County Sheriff's Department for several years, becoming a full-time employee in 1982. In 1988 he completed security training with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Murray served 22 years in the sheriff's department, retiring as a Sergeant in 2004. He traveled to all 50 states and Puerto Rico, extraditing prisoners back to Denton County, and was instrumental in the creation of the first gun-range for the Denton County Sheriff's Department.

As an off-duty officer, Murray worked security for several businesses and events in and around Denton, including several movies. He made a cameo appearance in the movie Time Bomb, filmed in Denton County, and was a security guard for Chuck Norris during the filming of the series Walker, Texas Ranger. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Denton, Texas. Besides his Faith in Christ, the most important thing to Murray was his family. He loved telling silly stories to his cherished grandchildren, and pestering anyone in site. He enjoyed fishing, playing 42 and other games, and watching western movies (especially John Wayne). The many trips he took across the country with his best friend and beloved wife, Judy, were some of his most precious memories.

Murray is survived by his wife Judy, sons Rick and wife Carol of Denton, Barry and wife Philippa of Oakland, California, grandchildren Kacie and husband Andrew Pasieka, Cody Watkins, Joy Watkins and Shirlee Watkins. He is also survived by his brothers Ronnie Watkins of Hurst, and Jim Provence of Yukon, Oklahoma, and was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and brother, Bill Watkins.

A visitation for family and friends will be at DeBerry Funeral Home on Friday evening, July 1, at 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 2, at First Baptist Church of Denton, Texas, with James Earp officiating, with a private burial at Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.