Celebrating the life of
Harrell Charles Murray, Jr.
October 08, 1921 - September 18, 2016
Harrell Charles Murray, Jr.
Harrell Charles Murray, Jr. died peacefully at his home on the river in Vernonburg on September 18th under the care of Gentiva Hospice. He was born October 8, 1921 in Savannah, Georgia to Harrell Charles Murray and Ernestine Wimbish Murray, attended local public schools, and graduated from Benedictine. He attended Oxford College of Emory University. He was a lifelong member of Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Betty Rozier Murray, his sons, Harrell Charles Murray III, Frank Gray Murray (Kathryn), Dr. Morgan Wimbish Murray (Anne), and his daughter, Susan Murray Griffin (Britt). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Frank Gray Murray, Jr., Morgan Wimbish Murray, Jr. (Elizabeth), Harrell Charles Murray IV, Charles Gray Murray, Wylie Britton Griffin IV, Mollie Wilson Messick (John), and Matthew Murray Griffin; great granddaughters, Paige Marie Murray, Aylee Rae Griffin, and Hally Kimble Griffin. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Ann Rozier Raulerson (Ty), two nephews, two nieces, and their families. Mr. Murray was predeceased by his parents, his sister Ernestine Murray, and his brother Walter Cambridge Murray (Mae).
Mr. Murray was a member of the United States Coast Guard serving aboard a Patrol Boat protecting the Southeastern Coast of the United States during World War II. After the war, he and his brother joined their father in the family business, Savannah Lumber and Supply Company located at 2819 Bull Street. He worked there until his retirement.
Mr. Murray enjoyed a lifetime of service and involvement with his family, his church, and his community. He was especially proud of the restoration of Wesley Gardens. He was a member of the Savannah Jaycees, the Lions Club, and the downtown YMCA where he mentored many young men. He donated gallons of blood to the American Red Cross and also worked with the water safety program. He drove the courtesy car at Candler Hospital. He received special recognition from his Church and the civic organizations in which he participated.
He enjoyed hunting (and loved his many hunting dogs) fishing, sailing, and woodworking. He passed many of his skills and passions on to his children and grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.
The funeral service will be at 11 am, Thursday, September 22nd at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, Dr. Ben Martin officiating. A reception will follow in the church Social Hall. The grandsons and grandson-in-law will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Fellowship Class of Wesley Monumental. Burial in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery will be private.
The family wishes to thank Carolyn Milton, Carolyn Smith, Mary Barrett, Shelly Jones, Gwen and Chakeah Robertson, Melodie Wilson, and Jacobia Stacy for their loving care and dedication.
Memorials may be sent to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, Wesley Gardens Fund, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or The Humane Society for Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Dr., Savannah, GA 31406.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Frank, please know you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- R.Dan & Linda Walker, Black Creek, Ga
Frank and family, I am sorry for your loss, which is also a loss for the community. I always considered your father a role model for how to live a full life. We will all miss him. Steven
- Steven Arnsdorff, Richmond Hill, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Bena
- Edwena Garrett, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Murray, Frank, Morgan, Susan and family, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Husband and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I know this loss leaves a hole in your hearts, as I just loss my husband in April of this year. Bless each of you and remember all the great times you had together as a family. Much love to each of you. Ann
- Ann Youmans O'Quinn, Richmond Hill, GA
I have many fond memories of Mr. Murray while growing up in Savannah and attending Wesley. He'll be missed. Thanks for the memories.
- Van Sewell, Peachtree Corners, Ga
We express our condolences to Frank and Morgan. Your father was known to my family during the Savannah Lumber days. Stan
- Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, GA
Betty and Family, I remember Harrell as a fun loving person and enjoyed eating lunch with Harrell and Betty at Candler after volunteering that morning.
- Shirley Sienkiewicz, Savannah, Ga
My father, John Adams, knew Mr. Murray from childhood. They stayed in touch until dad died in 2007. He drove me from the parking lot at Candler to the hospital when dad was sick; then came to visit dad. He was a very fine man.
- Brian Adams, Coral Gables, FL
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cler and Don Cole
- Cler and Don Cole, Savannah, Ga.
What a wonderful and fascinating man. When I visited him we could talk and talk without running out of things to talk about. He will be missed but I believe he is with the Lord Jesus. May He rest in peace with the redeemed of God.
- The Reverend Robert RM Bagwell, Savannah, GA
Frank, please know you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- R.Dan & Linda Walker, Black Creek, Ga
Frank and family, I am sorry for your loss, which is also a loss for the community. I always considered your father a role model for how to live a full life. We will all miss him. Steven
- Steven Arnsdorff, Richmond Hill, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Bena
- Edwena Garrett, Savannah, GA
Mrs. Murray, Frank, Morgan, Susan and family, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Husband and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I know this loss leaves a hole in your hearts, as I just loss my husband in April of this year. Bless each of you and remember all the great times you had together as a family. Much love to each of you. Ann
- Ann Youmans O'Quinn, Richmond Hill, GA
I have many fond memories of Mr. Murray while growing up in Savannah and attending Wesley. He'll be missed. Thanks for the memories.
- Van Sewell, Peachtree Corners, Ga
We express our condolences to Frank and Morgan. Your father was known to my family during the Savannah Lumber days. Stan
- Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, GA
Betty and Family, I remember Harrell as a fun loving person and enjoyed eating lunch with Harrell and Betty at Candler after volunteering that morning.
- Shirley Sienkiewicz, Savannah, Ga
My father, John Adams, knew Mr. Murray from childhood. They stayed in touch until dad died in 2007. He drove me from the parking lot at Candler to the hospital when dad was sick; then came to visit dad. He was a very fine man.
- Brian Adams, Coral Gables, FL
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cler and Don Cole
- Cler and Don Cole, Savannah, Ga.
What a wonderful and fascinating man. When I visited him we could talk and talk without running out of things to talk about. He will be missed but I believe he is with the Lord Jesus. May He rest in peace with the redeemed of God.
- The Reverend Robert RM Bagwell, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
