July 16, 1934 May 5, 2024
Wilbur Murray Borders, 89, of Center, Texas, passed away May 5, 2024, in Center. He was born on July 16, 1934, in Milledgeville, Ga., to the late Jack Borders and Pearl (Lingold) Borders. Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Porter Brewer officiating. Interment followed at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
The Jack Borders family moved from Georgia to Bordersville, Texas, north of Houston on February 8, 1938, and later permanently settled nearby in Humble, Texas, where Murray spent most of his early years. Murray joined First Baptist Church, Humble as a teenager and as most Baptists, he was “once a Baptist always a Baptist.”
He married Dorris Denise Serres, and they had two children, a son, Jeffrey Wayne Borders and a daughter, Karen Lynette Borders.
In the mid 50s, Murray started his 6-year United States Army obligation spending two-years active duty with basic training at Ft. Carson, Colo., and the remaining active duty at the former Presidio U.S. Army post at the northern tip of the San Francisco peninsula, the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. His remaining years were served in the Reserves. He served his entire active service as the Company Clerk because he was the only one in the company who raised his hand when the company was asked, “Can anyone use a typewriter?” This turned out to be a serious experience for Murray, as the responsibility of clerical detail required extreme accuracy during the onset of the “ballistic missile” era. “Top Clearance” and “Secrecy” were standard procedure. Murray worked well under stress and rigid requirements; he loved his country and immensely enjoyed his time in the United States Military. He liked driving top level commanders, including generals, and was fascinated by their brain power and their personalities.
Murray returned to civilian life in the Houston area and worked for Baker Oil Tools for over 25 years, first domestically, then internationally including Venezuela, Indonesia, and Australia.
Murray and Quincy were married in 1965 and spent over 58 years together. They traveled extensively during their time together while Murray was working on various jobs.
After retirement, they moved back to the states and went to work for his sister, Geneva and brother-in-law, Sam Jaffa with their crystal and glass etching business. Later he and Quincy settled in Center where Quincy’s mother was, and he worked many years just for fun at Walmart.
He is survived by his spouse, Quincy Borders of Center. Son, Jeffrey Wayne Borders of Groveton, Texas Daughter, Karen (Borders) Washington and husband, Robert Washington of Yoakum, Texas, Sister, Geneva (Borders) Jaffa of Red Oak, Texas, Brother, Carl Thomas Borders of Mountainair, N.M., Grandchildren, Courtney Washington of Texas, Brittany Washington of Texas, Carson Everette Washington of La., Pseudo grandchildren, Taylor, and twins, Ray and Ethan Blankenstein of Wyoming.
Great grandchildren, Everett Paul Washington of La., Declan Henry Washington of La., Sloane Nicole Washington of La., and Elijah Anthony De La Rosa of Texas. Nephew, Rick Jaffa of Pacific Palisades, Ca. Niece, Jennifer Borders of New Jersey. Murray is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Pearl Borders; brother, Jack Matthew Borders; nephews, Gary Jaffa and Kevin Borders. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home in Center is in charge of arrangements.