Murray grew up in Boiling Springs, North Carolina,[1] and entered the United States Air Force in October 1977.

His assignments include bases in Florida, South Carolina, Washington and Georgia.

[1] Murray also served overseas in Turkey and Japan, and deployed in support of operations Desert Storm and Southern Watch.

[1] Murray was appointed to the position of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force on July 1, 2002.

Murray served as Chairman of the Board of the Air & Space Forces Association.