John Fenton Murray; Comedy Writer

John Fenton Murray, a comedy writer whose words enlivened scores of television shows, has died. He was 79.

Murray died Wednesday) at Sherman Oaks Hospital of leukemia, according to author and longtime friend Will Fowler.

Born Feb. 19, 1917 in Lincoln, Neb., Murray moved to Los Angeles in 1930. As a teen, he worked at the Ambassador Hotel, then an important movie industry gathering spot. After graduating from Loyola High School, Murray studied writing at Los Angeles City College.

In 1941, Murray married actress Pat Shaw, who succumbed to lung cancer in 1968.

After a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Murray became head writer for the Red Skelton radio show, which later went to TV. According to Fowler, who described Murray as his mentor, Murray was responsible in great part for the show’s success.

“He made that show,” said Fowler. “He created all of Red’s main characters, including Cauliflower McPugg and Heathcliffe. He was one of the funniest men I’ve ever known.”

Murray worked with Skelton for 12 years before leaving to write for “The Jimmy Durante Show.” His feature film credits include several Jerry Lewis films, “Robin and the Seven Hoods,” with Frank Sinatra, and “Man’s Favorite Sport,” which starred Rock Hudson and Doris Day.

During the 1960s and ‘70s, as the situation-comedy format took hold in television, Murray hit his stride as head writer on “McHale’s Navy” and “Gilligan’s Island.” He also wrote for “Chico and the Man” and “Good Times.”

“You could never be around John and feel sorry for yourself,” said Fowler. “He had a gift for laughter, and when you left him, you took part of his rosy outlook on life with you.”

Murray is survived by his son, Kirk Murray, of Malibu.

A memorial service will be held today at 11 a.m. at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, 15520 Ventura Blvd., Encino.