Saturday, Dec.14, 2019

My walk today was dedicated in honor of:

Air Force Veteran Master Sergeant Murray Kidwell , Age 81 of Crossville, TN
Passed away Nov. 11, 2019

Murray was born June 27, 1938, a second-generation Cumberland Homesteader, son of the late Zollie Earl Kidwell and Hedy Mae (Bryant) Kidwell. He graduated from Cumberland County High School and went on to active military service with the US Air Force Band, performing in 48 U.S. States, Europe, Asia and Africa in more than 8,000 concerts.

While in the service, Murray attended the University of Tennessee. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in education from Buena Vista College and a Bachelor of Science in urban studies from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

He retired from the Air Force in 1980 after serving 25 years he obtained his master’s degree in educational psychology from Ball State University. Upon returning to his home community, Murray taught history, art and band in Cumberland County Schools.
He was an accomplished artist as well as a musician.

One of his lasting contributions to his community was his founding and directing of the Cumberland County Community Band in 2000, and organization still vital to the cultural community. For his work with the community band, his commitment to veterans, and other public service causes, Murray was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Business and Professional Women.

Murray and his wife could also be found performing on stage of the Cumberland County Playhouse where they made life-long friends and never wavered in their support and joy of live theatre. He also played in the orchestra of several productions.

He is servived by nieces and nephes, and great-niece. I had the great opertunity to meet them on Thursday just before the Christmas Concert put on by the Cumberland County Community Band. It was an honor to meet them and some of his close friends. I have also seen a lot of comments left by students of Murray’s. He was a great man and will be greatly missed here in Cumberland County.

What an amazing walk this was. There were hundreds of people lining the streets for the Christmas parade. It was an honor to do this walk in Murray’s memory. I will never forget it. Being the grand marshal for the parade and having all these people waving and giving me a very warm welcome. I love Crossville and all the amazing people here. Thank you so much in helping me honor this fallen hero. He will never be forgotten.