William M Murray

Bill Murray, age 94, died on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Holston Valley Medical Center following a brief illness. A native of Kingsport, he attended school at Soloman’s Temple. In the 1930’s he lived and worked with George Thayer as an apprentice paper hanger. After Mr. Thayer’s death, Bill began working on his own and later started his own business as a wallpaper hanger and painter. He was a veteran of WWII and the recipient of the Purple Heart after being wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. He owned and managed Wex Jo Leon Apartments, built in 1927, the first stand alone apartment in Kingsport, where he lived at the time of his death. Bill loved taking care of the apartments, his tenants, and especially enjoyed working outside in his flowers. He was a member of Kingsport Community Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife of more than 49 years, Parylee Conkin Murray, his parents, Sam and Ida Crawford Murray; two sisters: Beulah Murray Ward and Flossie Murray; two brothers: Glen Murray and Vernon Murray.

Survivors include two daughters: Mrs. Robert (Sandra) Denney and Mrs. Reed (Debbie) Dykes; four grandchildren: Laura Denney, Scott Denney and wife Jessica, Allison Dykes and Luke Dykes; two great grandchildren: Cole Denney and Isis Dykes; sisters-in-law, Jean Conkin, Sula Kyte and Gay Coulston as well as several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Monday, October 1, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the East Lawn Funeral Home chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Ronnie Lowe, officiating. A entombment service will be held on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in Mausoleum II in East Lawn Memorial Park. Everyone is asked to assemble at the mausoleum by 9:45 a.m. for the service.

The family would like to thank all the special nurses, friends and doctors who sat with and cared for him at Holston Valley Medical Center.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kingsport Community Church or the charity of your choice.

Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a message for the family. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the Murray family.