2002's CCHOAA WINNER

Willis N. Murray, a former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Aging, is known as “the quintessential advocate.”

After a long teaching career in the Dade County public school and community college systems, Mr. Murray turned his energies from the “juniors” to the “seniors.” He is a tireless volunteer and Chairman-elect of the American Cancer Society and is especially vocal about the importance of older men screening for prostate cancer. From health care issues to intergenerational crime prevention programs to strategic planning at the Alliance for Aging to a passion for personally ensuring that all Florida’s elderly are treated with dignity, Mr. Murray’s hallmark has been service and leadership. He has served on numerous advisory committees to the Department of Elder Affairs (and its predecessor agency, has walked all the halls of the Legislature and much of the Congress…always advocating of behalf of seniors.

C. Colburn Hardy was a staunch Republican — and a Boston Red Sox fan; Mr. Murray proudly stands on the Democrat side of the aisle and LOVES the Miami Dolphins! Yet my Dad and Willis were able to discuss, coax, cajole, and argue their way to work together for the good of the state’s elderly.

Mrs. Hardy said, "I know that Willis shares my Father’s own final words when he wrote: 'Hopefully, some of the projects in which I was involved helped to make the world a better place in which to work, to live, to love and have our being.'"

Mr. Murray has received many honors from government, health care and educational organizations throughout the State. He exemplifies C. Colburn Hardy's belief that each of us has a duty and responsibility to return something to society.

Mr. Murray’s diligent advocacy on behalf of all older Floridians, especially minority elders, is that “something” which we all would like to emulate.