CATHERINE “CAT” Murray never quits. When days turn hard, evenings bring fatigue, and nights offer no rest, she keeps going — not for her own gain, but to serve the people around her. Her fight and drive come from her father. Her perseverance may have taken root in boot camp. But one thing is certain: her passion shines clearly and was born from a heart full of love that embraces the entire city of Tullahoma.
The Texas native began her military career in 1982, proudly choosing the United States Marine Corps.
“Just to get through boot camp — I always tell people it doesn’t matter where you served, but if you made it through Marine Corps boot camp, then you’re pretty hot,” she said, laughing. “I didn’t know where I was gonna go, but I was ready to do whatever it was I was expected to do.”
After boot camp, she attended supply and logistics school. She became the second person in the Marine Corps’ history to score 100% for the course. After completing the course, Murray found herself stationed in Hawaii, working in supply and logistics for four years. After her service, she stayed in Hawaii and taught preschool for two years. She later moved to California to finish college, where the most intriguing job came her way.
“I went to a community college in California to get a degree in electronics,” Murray said. “While there, I found out about an internship at NASA. They had a place right there where I was.”
The one-year internship at NASA Ames Research Center became something more as employers recognized her talent and dedication. After seeing her complete a semester’s worth of assignments in two weeks, they allowed her to work in different departments, leading to a full-time job as the configuration management group director for three years. She managed the day-to-day operations, supervising 12 employees.
The veteran still sought a job that better aligned with her interests, though — one she still needed to identify. While working at NASA, she started McMurr’s as a DJ service in 1997. In 2000, she settled in Estill Springs, putting her skills to work in video production, graphic design, and DJing for local events and parties.
However, Murray spent much of her time serving the community’s kids for free. She led clubs and events at J. T. Farrar Elementary, including the yearbook club, dance club, Christmas parade, and DJ parties. For the community, Murray currently serves on the board of the Literacy Council and Tullahoma Educational Foundation. She has served on the Coffee County Anti-Drug Coalition committee, South Jackson Civic Center committee, Motlow Community College Early Childhood Education committee, Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and many others over the years.
In the end, the kids became the biggest joy in her life.
“They’re just so happy — I don’t know,” Murray said. “You do stuff for them and with them, and they appreciate it. It just makes me happy to see them happy. That’s really the main reason. It’s something that I enjoy doing. It’s just something that I’m good at.”
Murray’s nearly 25 years of volunteering at the school allowed her to see her students’ growth and even DJ at some of their most important events.
“I’ve done some kids’ graduation announcements, their wedding announcements, their baby announcements — that’s really cool, and I just kind of think, ‘Wow, I’m kind of there for all phases of their lives.”
Murray continues her work to this day, not afraid to look silly — whatever it takes to make them smile. As adults, they remember her kindness, fun spirit, and the time she invested in them. The influence testifies to the woman’s heart of service — actions that never ceased after her years in the Marines.
After all, the key element of service is having the heart to care. GN
