Obituary of Walter Murray

Walter Franklin Murray, died July 17, 2005 at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, VA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Bessie Shew Murray; parents, Lee A. and Mary B. Murray; granddaughter, Brenda Murray; daughter-in-law, Sigrid Murray; and son-in-law, Noah Smith. Mr. Murray is survived by his five children, Lee Franklin Murray of Pisgah Forest, NC, Carrol Smith of Glade Spring, VA, Curtis (and Joan) Murray of Bristol, VA, Janice (and Charlie) Long of Rockledge, FL, Nancy (and Dave) Field of Milton, WI; Granddaughters, Sheila (and Steve) Miller of Marion, Deborah Murray of Farmville, VA, Cynthia (and Mark) Smith of Nashville, TN, Marie Field of Charleston, IL, Jana Field of Milton, WI; 4 great-grandchildren, Stacy (and Adam) Burchett, Brian (and Shannon) Miller, Allison Miller, and Samuel Smith; two sisters, Cordie Robison of Winchester, VA, and Della Ruth Dillard of Crestview, FL, sister-in-law, Gwen Coyle of Frederick, MD, and brother-in-law, C.L. (and Joy) Shew. Mr. Murray was born on June 10, 1912 in Weyanoke, Mercer County, WV where his father was a mine superintendent during the winters. Summers were spent in Marion, with permanent residence here since 1924. "Papa" recently celebrated his 93rd birthday at his home. He was a certified Meat Grader for the USDA and raised black Angus cattle on his farm near Hungry Mother Park. He was concessionaire of Hungry Mother Park from 1960-1980. Before that time he was part-owner in the Wytheville Piggly Wiggly and operated the Corner Grill in Marion. He served his community faithfully as a member of the Smyth County Board of Supervisors from 1967-1985, representing the Park District, and serving as Chairman for 12 years. He served on the Highlands Juvenile Detention Center Board from 1973-1987, and on the Governing Board of the Easter Seal Society in Virginia for many years. He joined the Marion Life Saving Crew in 1961 and served for 24 years, 8 as Captain. In 1971 he was selected as "Man of the Year" in Smyth County. He was a member of Royal Oak Presbyterian Church. He was a Mason for nearly 70 years and a Shriner for 50 years. Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 22, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Rev. Eugene Baldwin officiating. Entombment will follow in Rose Lawn Mausoleum, Marion, Virginia. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.