Murray Herbert Hoffer, 91, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Known by many names in his life (Murray, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Muddy, and Pops), Murray was born on November 24, 1925 in Beaumont, Texas, to Sarah and Charles Hoffer. He lived his entire life in Beaumont, save his time in college and the two years he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where his knack for entrepreneurship began to take an early hold. Murray once proudly told his family that he nearly doubled his U.S. Military salary in just two years by buying cigarettes and fine liqueur from the Base PX and selling it to civilians for a tidy profit.
One he returned from WWII, Murray joined his father, Charles, in the family business, and they worked alongside his father for decades, making sure that the fine menswear retailer “Chas Hoffer & Co.” – once dubbed the biggest little store in Texas – had what their customers demanded. At one time, Hoffer’s boasted four locations spanning two states, but the Gaylynn Center store became the largest of the chain. Florsheim, Haggar, Munsingwear, Izod, Lacoste or even the one of a kind welder’s caps – you name it, they had it, or would break their back to get it for you.
While a suave single gentleman, Murray loved to travel, making frequent trips to New Orleans, Miami and Palm Springs. One fateful night, he met Florence Arlene Hoffer, and after tying the knot in New Orleans, Murray and Arlene had three children together. Stephen came along in 1960, followed nine years later by the twins, Stephanie and Stewart. Murray loved his kids more than anything, and he made sure that his kids always knew it, with his famous slobbery kisses. Though Murray worked six days a week, he made sure that he spent time with his kids. Coaching little league, birthday trips to the Astrodome for Astros games followed by Astroworld, and frequent trips to Galveston’s Stewart Beach are fond memories.
Murray retired from the retail industry in 1992, and turned his attention to his first love – his family. Though he was a great father, he was even better as a Grandpa, making sure that his grandchildren (and his daughter-in-law Shannon) got their birthday checks and Hanukkah “gelt” on time, every year, coupled with the infamous slobbery kisses.
Murray was a loyal friend to many through his life. Known by many as the most selfless person they’d ever met, Murray made time to visit his friends as they made their journey through their waning years. He would take them to dinner and visit them in the hospital. Murray was a fun loving guy, gregarious, kind and personable, even in his last days. If you needed support, Murray was behind you; if you need protection, he was in front of you; if you needed friendship, he stood firmly beside you.
Murray is survived by his son, Stephen Hoffer; daughter, Stephanie Hoffer Palma; son, Stewart Hoffer and his wife, Shannon; the mother of his children, Arlene Hoffer; brother, E.J. “Jodie” Hoffer and wife Maryann; brother Barry Hoffer and his wife, Linda; sister-in-law, Relda Finger Hoffer, and his grandchildren, Blake, Paige, Charlie and Sam, along with cousins, nieces and nephews.
Murray will be laid to rest at 2 p.m., Friday, April 28, 2017, at Kol Israel Cemetery, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Ave., Beaumont. Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, 200 S. Park Road, Suite 100, Hollywood Florida 33021; The Kol Israel Cemetery Fund, 1120 Broadway, Beaumont, TX 77701; or a charity of your choosing.
