Council pay tribute to former mayor of Telford and Wrekin
Former Mayor of Telford and Wrekin, and borough councillor for Hadley and Leegomery Leon Murray, sadly passed away on Saturday 14 January, Telford & Wrekin Council has announced.
Councillor Murray, who was first elected to Telford & Wrekin Council in 2011 and had been Mayor of Telford and Wrekin twice in 2013 and 2015, was 84 years of age.
Born and raised in Jamaica, he moved to Wellington in 1961 and made his home in the borough. He married Barbara in 1986 and had two daughters, Christine and Rachel.
Community life was of great importance to Councillor Murray and he dedicated much of his time to public service, becoming a magistrate, vice president of British Methodism, Deputy Lieutenant, local councillor and Mayor while working with numerous local charities and organisations, addressing local issues to create a better borough.
He was also committed to tackling racial discrimination and in 1995 authored Being Black in Britain: Challenge and Hope. In 2007 he was recognised by the then Prince of Wales with an MBE for services to community relations in Telford, Shropshire and in the West Midlands.
Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, Shaun Davies (Labour) said: “Leon was simply an inspirational person and my thoughts are with Barbara, Christine and Rachel at this very sad time.
“There are few people who have been able to achieve what Leon has during his life. He was a person who was truly dedicated to his faith, his family and to community life. We will miss him greatly.”
The flag at Addenbrooke House will be at half-mast this week and on the day of Councillor Murray's funeral as a mark of respect.
