-Chapter V- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
Murray County Junior High
Murray County Junior High opened in the fall of 1969 with seventh-, eighth-, and ninth-grade students from the six county elementary schools forming the first student body. Royce Patterson was the first principal with Helen Porch as assistant. The faculty for 1969-70 included Lamar Adams, Frances Townsend, Richard Carithers, Hazel Langford. Pat DeLoach, Charles Faulkner, Calvin Rob-bins. Hiram D. Coffey, William Crofts, Yvonne Fields Carver, Margaret Adams, Carolyn Anderson, Lucille Pack, Martha B. Morrison, Wiliiam M. Browder. James Goodwin, John Kenemer. Michael Harrington, John McNabb, Harry Sutton, Larry Sampson, Harry Tracy, William Johnson, W.T. Richards, and David Fleming.
Elaine Kirby Butler and Edward Campbell were assistant principals in 1971-72 by which time John Cargile was principal. Julian Coffey, who had been assistant since 1972, succeeded Mr. Cargile as principal in 1978, Johnny Payne then became assistant. Guidance counselors have been Martha (Billie) Morrison Haven, Phyllis Dotson, Linda Kennedy (1983-86), and Ruth Greeson. Librarians have included Elizabeth Watson, LucyMcWhorter, Edith Ledford, Hugh Pritchett, and Elaine Bridges.
Longtime staff members a( the junior high include Ruby Witherow (since 1969), Kate Kemp, Rilla Richards (lunchroom manager 1969-85), Mrs. Jim Payne, Icy Dill, Lena Wilbanks, and Martha Miles. Howell Brown, Harry Tracy, and Malcolm Cheatham all retired from the faculty. Teachers who have served at the school for 10 years or more include William Johnson, Ed Campbell, Yvonne Garner, Michael Browder, David Fleming, Jerry Ridley, Jim Goodwin, Elaine Bridges, Susan Brooks Fleming, Danny Frazier, Paige Harkleroad, Martha B. Haven, Johnny Payne, Richard Warren, Judy Poss, Gwen Childers Bailey, Monty Boling, Jean Ponders. Bob Campbell, Sandra Davis Ramsey, Bob Campbell, Robert H. Smith, Debbie Ramsey and Jim Miller.
Known as the Warriors, the junior high athletic teams have excelled in basketball, football, wrestling, tennis, golf, and, at times, baseball. Among those who have served as coaches are Charles Faulkner, Monty Boling, Debbie Ramsey, Bob Campbell. Danny Frazier, Rodney Hess and Bob Wilson.
Chorus director Yvonne Gamer has had many outstanding performances and the junior high FFA chapter has won many awards under sponsors Larry Lough-ridge, George Holland, Del Richards and Jim Folsom.
In 1986 the junior high became Murray County Middle School.
Murray County Heritage