Looking Back: Harlan Moody Murry

by Marcia Napier Grain Valley Historical Society

Moody Murry came to Grain Valley in 1957. He was hired by then Superintendent Gilbert Temple to be the Elementary Principal.

He also taught 8 th Grade, a high school history class, and was the assistant football coach. The following year, at the age of 35, he became Superintendent of Schools, a position he held until about 1968.

Moody was born on April 5, 1923 in Annacoco, Louisiana but his family moved to Missouri when he was very young. He was a football “star” at North Kansas City High School before serving in the Navy during World War II.

After mustering out in January, 1945 he completed his education at Central Missouri State Teachers’ College (now UCM) in Warrensburg, Missouri. It was at CMSC that he met his wife, Barbara Ball, music major from Lost Springs, Kansas. After graduation, they both taught in Braymer, Missouri, and Pittsfield, Illinois become coming to Grain Valley.

While at Grain Valley, Murry oversaw the addition to the elementary school in 1960 and construction of the gymnasium in 1965. He left Grain Valley for a job in Kansas City with the Labor Union. At the time of his death, July 26, 1972, he was the Democratic candidate for the Missouri State House of Representatives.

The 1961 yearbook, dedicated to Mr. Murry, best stated the sentiments of the students and community:

“We, the Treasure Chest staff of 1961, dedicate this yearbook to Mr. Harlan M. Murry, our superintendent, with deep gratitude and appreciation for his untiring efforts in behalf of our education and the personal welfare to each member of our school. To us he is more than a cheery voice behind a desk. He is the silent voice behind all our efforts, our class work and our activities. For this through all our years at G. V., we thank him.”

Harlan Moody Murry served the Grain Valley School District, first as teacher, and then as Superintendent of Schools from 1957-1968.

Photo credit: Grain Valley Historical Society

Moody Murry Field on the campus of Grain Valley High School is named for Mr. Murry. Photo credit: Marcia Napier.