He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 25, 1937, and received his commission on March 3, 1937.

His service terminated on September 9, 1940, due to his elevation to the Tenth Circuit.

[1] Murrah was nominated by President Roosevelt on August 5, 1940, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit vacated by Judge Robert E. Lewis.

[1] He served as Chief Judge and as a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States from August 7, 1959 to May 1, 1970.

He was the last appeals court judge who continued to serve in active service appointed by President Roosevelt.