Bill Murmer

Bill Murmer took his final flight to the big “hanger in the sky” on Monday July 25, 2011 after a brief illness. His eternal journey ‘flight plan’ was filed from the home that he so deeply treasured, which is nestled among many beautiful oak trees. During the last four days of Bill’s life, he was blessed to be embraced by the presence of his family and friends that loved & adored him.

Bill was born in Amityville, N.Y. on Nov 23, 1928 to Ben & Rose (Spiegler) Murmer.

Being raised in the 1930’s, the era of The Great Depression, his grandparents kept the family together by sharing their 3-story farm-house in Farmingdale, Long Island. Bill often reflected on the many fond childhood memories he made with his cousin’s, Burton, Bobby & Stanley Joseph during this time. The family later moved to Indiana until his dad’s work brought them to Houston, Texas. Bill attended & graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Air Force, then joined the 111th Fighter Squadron, served in Japan & Korea for a year and a half, and in the Air National Guard for a total of 16 years of military service.

Before going overseas Bill married Doris Broadway, and after serving his country, he returned home and became the proud father of his beautiful baby girl, Cheryl. In the early 1960’s he was employed with Sea-Ray Boat Company as a sales representative. During this 2-year work period, he traveled over a million miles and became the top salesman of the company. He made and left a lasting impression on his many clients, some of which became life-long friends. Later, he founded, owned, and operated Total Body and Paint near Hobby Airport in Houston Texas. Bill was quite proud of the unique name he created for his business. After several years, his passion for creativity grew into a successful airplane painting & refurbishing business that for approximately 30 years was known as Murmer, Inc. Because of his reputation for excellent customer service and attention to detail, clients would fly their planes in from around the world to seek his services. Bill was inducted into Ye Anciente and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen in October 1978, in recognition of his flying and of being a ‘good fellow’. He attended monthly QB meetings regularly for nearly 30 years. During this period of his life, he was married to Jerry Vickers Murmer whom he diligently cared for the last 10 years of her life as she suffered from Alzhiemers. He was greatly admired by many people for the kindness and compassion he gave her until her passing in 1994.

In March of 1997 he married the love of his life, Gayle Green, who showed him the love and care he so richly deserved. Together they flew to many Pilot club events and enjoyed meeting up with his pilot buddies while stopping off at favorite scenic spots around the country. Upon retiring in 2001 from Murmer, Inc, Bill had logged over 5,000 hours in his most beloved Bonanza v-tail N35BM airplane on trips across the United States, South America, and Canada. After leaving the cockpit, Bill worked diligently alongside his wife rescuing animals. Because of their love and compassion for animals, many dogs and cats were spared a life of misery. For 5 years on a weekly basis, every Tuesday and Friday they provided transportation from the Dickinson area to the Houston Humane Society to provide pet owners with low-cost Spaying & Neutering. As a result of their efforts, over 5,000 animals were spayed and neutered.

Bill was a one of a kind individual with many varied interests. Some of his favorite things in life were, reading his morning paper with a hot cup of coffee, Cadillacs, sitting in his gazebo by the pond, Lox and crème cheese, ribs, cheeseburgers, cooking his famous brisket, El Caminos, wearing black, snow skiing, French toast, scrambled eggs with Fritos, wearing his cowboy boots, going to the rodeo and listening to country music oldies. But by far his favorite thing in life was sharing time with his wife and family that he so dearly loved.

Bill was preceded in death by parents Ben and Rose Murmer, sister and brother-in-law Florence and Bill Proctor, wife Jerry Vickers Murmer, and brother-in-law Jack Burden. He is survived by his beloved and dedicated wife Gayle Murmer, loving daughter, Cheryl Chambers, son-in-law Pat Chambers, grandson Jerred “Rojo” Sullivan and wife, Teri, granddaughter Carrie Simpson and husband Charles, grandson Trey Chambers, great grandchildren, Cara and Bailey Simpson and Cannon Sullivan, mother-in-law, Nadine Wright, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cliff and LaVelle Hammer, Lloyd and Judy Wright, and several nieces and nephews.

Canine Companions: Beau, Reesa, Angel, Nana Tiny, Little Bit, and “Baby” his constant little shadow who stayed right with him till the end.

His extended family: Dana Herrin Salazar, Tanya and Peter Blum, & Kristi Mosley.

Pall bearers: Jerred Sullivan, Trey Chambers, Charles Simpson, Heriberto Diaz, Clifford Hammer, Buddy Hodges, Junior Hodges, Clarence Leonard.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at Greater Life Church 1655 FM 528, Webster, TX 77598. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Wednesday July 27, 2011. Funeral Service will be held at 1 pm Thursday July 28, 2011.

Officiating: Rev. Mark Hughes, Rev. Rob McKee, and Rev. Roger Blackburn.

Donations may be made to Bay Area Pet Adoptions/SPCA, 3000 Avenue R, San Leon, TX, 77539.

Bill’s family wishes to give a special thanks to Altus Hospice and his nurse Heather, for their exceptional care and also a very special thanks to friends and family for all their love and support throughout this difficult time.