Born in 1909, Joseph Lee Murray came to Biloxi as a child and immediately found himself at home among the fishermen of the area. At the age of fourteen, “Joe” would go to work aboard the Biloxi schooners with sails as the gas and diesel motor era had not yet begun. By the age of 17, he was to begin his career as captain aboard such vessels as the SEA QUEEN, VICTOR MAVAR, and WAYNE LECKICH.
Joseph married Ethel Kingston Murray with whom he raised three children – J.W. “Bill”, Timmy and Patricia. He was a great father and family man
As a well-respected fisherman, Joe was instrumental in the Fisherman’s Strike of 1932, when the fishermen of the area were in dispute with packers regarding the price per barrel. Mr. Murray was one of six gentlemen representing more than 1,000 fishermen in the hearings in Yazoo City, MS in an effort to resolve the dispute. Later in his fishing career, Joe was asked to run for the presidency of the Gulf Coast Fisherman and Oysterman Association, and was elected for two terms, serving from 1953-1955.
Leaving his 35 year career in fishing in the late 1950’s, Joe Murray would work for the City of Biloxi, retiring in 1979 after 20 years of service. He passed away in 1993, at the age of 83, after a life of service to the trade and community which he loved.
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