Former Phil Campbell Mayor Ted Murray passed away Wednesday after an extended illness.

He was 77.

Murray served one term on the city council before being elected as the city’s mayor twice, in 1992 and again in 1996.

Murray served in the Army for more than 20 years and made two tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired as a Master Sergeant.

Phil Campbell City Councilman Danny Brown served with Murray during both of his terms as mayor and remembers Murray as someone always willing to listen.

“He was a good man and he always listened to what people needed,” Brown said.

The Phil Campbell administration worked to upgrade the town’s recreational facilities during Murray’s terms.

“His big thing was that he always wanted to provide recreational opportunities for the young and old alike,” Brown said.

“He finished some things that were already underway and he took on some new projects.”

Murray was also interested in aviation and enjoyed flying himself.

“Ted was a real good guy and I think people in Phil Campbell thought a lot of him,” Brown said.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Akins Funeral Home with the family presiding over the service.

Interment will be in Liberty Hill Cemetery with full military honors.