William Oscar “Jerry” Murray

William Oscar “Jerry” Murray, 91, died on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023, at his daughter’s home in Alpharetta, GA.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, September 23, 2023 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. A private interment will be held at Parkhill Cemetery.

Jerry was born on January 6, 1932, in Columbus, GA to the late William Oscar Murray and Etta Gibson Murray. He is preceded in death by his younger sister, Nancy Murray Slayden, and his wife, Virginia Goodloe Murray. At the age of 13, he got his first job, delivering newspapers while riding his bicycle or his horse. He attended Jordan High School, where he took mechanics classics and developed a love for working on cars. He graduated in 1951, and started working at the Southern Railroad Company, where his father worked.

He met Virginia while working at Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company. He was an installer; she a telephone operator. They married in 1953 and enjoyed 69 years of life together, raising three daughters: Phyllis Murray Duke, Judy Murray Stickel, and Leslie Murray Hooper. He gifted his beloved daughters a fun-filled childhood and a backyard full of wonders, complete with a monorail, a go-kart, and a tree house he built himself. Over the years, his family expanded to include eight granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Jerry’s playful nature only grew over time; he enjoyed pulling his granddaughters along with his tractor, pushing them on the monkey swing, and playing horseshoes and endless board games. He loved telling stories and jokes, and enjoyed watching comedies, old westerns, and sports: namely, Atlanta Braves baseball and Auburn football. When he attended the Auburn vs. Georgia game at Memorial Stadium in Columbus, he started a family tradition of love for Auburn football.

Jerry installed telephone equipment with the Western Electric Company for 32 years. After he retired, he worked for Lucent Technologies for about 10 years. He was very talented with machinery, and used that talent to serve those around him. He fixed things for people, helped the elderly with lawn work, and became a friend to those in need. He was a member of the Edgewood Church of Christ for over 60 years, and was an Elder in the church for over 20 years. He also served as a treasurer and teacher. He was a kind, Christian man, and an inspiration to many.

He is survived by his three daughters, Phyllis Duke (Curtis) of Midland, GA; Judy Stickel (Greg) of Alpharetta, GA; and Leslie Hooper (Donny) Hooper of Greensboro, GA, eight granddaughters, Virginia Ring (Brett) of Carrollton, GA; Emily Carney (Chris) of Bishop, GA; Sarah Rodesney (Nick) of Madison, WI; Caroline Stickel of Saratoga Springs, UT; Kate Stickel of Alpharetta, GA; Ellie Stickel of Alpharetta, GA; Abby Hooper of Columbia, SC; and Lilly Hooper of Charlotte, NC, one great-grandson, Jack Carney numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Flowers will be accepted. Those who wish may make contributions to Golden Rule Hospice in Alpharetta, GA or Preferred Hospice in Columbus, GA.