Sam Johnson mourns the loss of Murphy Martin
Washington,
Jul 7 -
Today U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson (3rd Dist.-Texas) released the following statement after the passing of Murphy Martin, a former broadcaster for ABC news and WFAA, among other things. This morning Johnson will serve as a pallbearer at Murphy Martin’s funeral.
Martin passed away on July 3rd, just an hour shy of his 83rd birthday. Murphy served as the president of United We Stand, the organization to assist Americans who were prisoners of war or missing in action in Southeast Asia. In 1998, he retired as the voice of the Dallas Cowboys after 20-plus years as the public address announcer. He is survived by his wife, Joyce.
“My friend, Murphy, was one of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived. Murphy defined the gold standard in broadcast journalism. From news to sports to public affairs, Murphy was the jack of all trades and a giant in the industry. Many Texans know and respect him from his time at ABC news, WFAA, and as the distinguished voice of the Dallas Cowboys.
“Murphy and I became friends after I returned home from nearly seven years in captivity in Vietnam, more than half of that time in solitary confinement. Murphy championed the cause of Prisoners of War with United We Stand. Murphy and Joyce helped my wife, Shirley, and the kids get through indescribably painful times – and helped us celebrate upon my return. Murphy later told me that he considered the work he did with United We Stand as one of the most important things he ever did in his life. He will be sorely missed. Joyce and the Martin family are in our thoughts and prayers.”
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