60 Plus Association Founder and Chairman Jim Martin issued the following statement Monday regarding the death of Robert Murray, the founder of Murray Energy, in Saint Clairsville, Ohio on Sunday:

“Few people exemplify the American dream like my friend Bob Murray. His natural curiosity, grit and faith led him from a childhood in Coal Country where he had to work as a boy to help feed his family, to creating and growing one of the largest energy companies in the United States. Only in America can a boy from the wrong side of the tracks work his way up from the bottom rung of business and life to become a global leader like Bob did. 

Bob lived with his illness with grace and dignity, and he was sustained through his deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He was well respected, not only by his employees and the Saint Clairsville community, but by those who came to know him like myself, Pat Boone and many others. He was tenacious in business but never forgot his roots, which was reflected in the way he treated others and through his many philanthropic interests. 

As the son of a Kentucky coal miner myself, I worked many years with Bob as he single handedly fought regulations imposed by the Obama/Biden administration that sought to cripple the mining industry. Having worked with Bob and Pat in numerous appearances on Chris Long’s Ohio Christian Alliance radio program, I know many will agree that coal miners and their families lost a true friend with Bob Murray’s passing. 

We all mourn his passing but we also celebrate his many achievements. Bob was a man of vision and action who walked the walk. On behalf of myself, Pat Boone and the rest of the 60 Plus family, I offer our profound condolences and prayers for Bob’s family. We have lost a friend but his legacy will endure.”