Willie Glover Murry

Willie was born on October 28, 1941 to Annie Lula Holly and Lonnie Glover Murray, in Green County, Alabama. Willie shared his father with four siblings, Lonnie Murray Jr., Barbara Jean Murray Colbert, Margaret Murray Newman and Don Murray. He shared his mother with two siblings; Annie Pearl Jones Bryant and Theresa Buckner Nanninga Harbour.

Willie attended Dunbar Elementary in Kinloch, Missouri and later went on to graduate from Kinloch High School where he developed his love for music. He went to Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and transferred to Webster College, after serving in the United States Army.

Willie married his teenage sweetheart, Peggy Whitener on October 19, 1963. This union introduced two daughters to the world. Twinda Patrice and Rhea Yvette, of whom he was always extremely

proud.

Proud took on a different meaning when his first grandchild was born, that was Breana. John came a little later which really escalated that pride. Following a few year later came Thomas, and last but not least, Theodore (Theo). Willie took much delight in being a father and a grandfather.

Breana, not being able to pronounce Grandaddy called Willie GRUNGRUNDY. John, being who he was, didn't think that was right so he took it upon himself to correct Breana and so that's the story of why Willie was called Grandaddy, and it was the name that meant the world to him.

We were asked to be stand-in grandparents to Telly jr and Aniya Peebles, a position that he gladly took, therefore he became Granddaddy to six instead of four.

Willie started instruction to become a catholic last fall 2024. Although he became ill, before the instructions were completed, he was baptized and received all the sacraments before his death.

In Willies' professional life he was an excellent teacher and a very proficient musician. Over his lifetime, he played with several bands and groups, including, George Hudson's Band and Jazz-edge. In the St. Louis Jazz scene, he left his mark. He also started his studio "Berkeley School Of Music", where many children were given the opportunity to explore music as well as display their musical talents.

Willie leaves to cherish the life he lived, Peggy his wife for 61 yrs, his devoted daughters, Twinda Murry (Marty) and Rhea Irvin also Telly Sr. and Lynn Peebles, grand children, Breana, John (Erinn), Thomas, Theodore, Telly Jr. and Aniya. Sister-in laws, Patricia Whitener and Betty Charlene Brown, a host of relatives, friends and fellow musicians.

We will ALL miss him immensely. He will live on in our memories.

FAREWELL W.G.

A visitation will be held in Willie's honor at St. Ann Catholic Church, located at 7530 Natural Bridge Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121, on Friday, May 16th, 2025 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. A funeral mass will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church on Friday, May 16th, 2025 at 10:30 am. Burial will occur immediately after at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.