Sulphur and Murray County lost a great public servant this past week.
For the past two plus years, Murray County Undersheriff, Jay McClure, 48, has been fighting the good fight, but lost his battle to ALS on Saturday, Oct. 19, surrounded by family and friends.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a horrible and debilitating disease that affects the nervous system and weakens muscles.
Jay was first officially diagnosed with ALS around May, 2022.
He continued to physically work for the Murray County Sheriff’s Department for many months and continued in a mental and advisory capacity until his death.
Following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, Sonny Mc-Clure, Jay began his career at the sheriff’s office in 2004.
During his time there, he logged more than 450 felony cases in Murray County.
Jay always treated everyone as a human being and with respect and in turn, gained respect from everyone, even those he arrested.
Not only did Jay serve his community and county, prior to becoming undersheriff, he served his country.
He was a member of the Airborne Artillery Unit in this U.S. Army from 1994-1996 before being Honorably Discharged.
In December 2023, Jay was invited to the prestigious 434th Field Artillery Brigade Saint Barbara’s Celebration and Military Ball at Fort Sill, OK where he was awarded the coveted Challenge Coin.
The event was a major highlight in Jay’s life.
Jay never saw his cup as half empty and always found a positive in every situation.
Being somewhat of a rebel rouser in his teen years, Jay was always trying to help young people to stay on the straight and narrow and do the right thing. On many occasions, he referred to it “as doing the Lord’s work.”
He leaves behind a host of family and friends and two lovely children who will all miss him dearly. But just as important, he leaves behind a legacy that will rein for many years to come.
Having worked with Jay on publishing many stories the past 20 years, I feel priveleged he called me a friend. I will cherish that friendship and his memory forever.
