Wallace Murray

Wallace G. Murray, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully on December, 16, 2020. Surviving are his wife Mary R. Murray;

his children, Kathy Black (Rick), Sherry Moody (Ron), and Michael Murray (Michelle),

his seven grandchildren, Shannon (Andrew), David (Kiley), Angela (Derek), Andrew,

Emily (Dustin), Kaitlyn and Colin; and his six great grandchildren, Dylan, Tyler, Holden,

Isaac, Lula, & Roxie.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Theophilus Murray and Lula Kate Murray,

also by his brothers and sisters, Lester, Raymond, Gertrude, and Dorothy.

Wally grew up on the west side of Indianapolis in an area known as The Valley. He attended Washington High School where he participated in several sports. Baseball, basketball, and track were his strongest events. He lettered in all of them, and he set a strong track record in his day by running the mile in 4.41 minutes. Wally attended Hanover College for one year.

Wally married Mary Roe on September 12, 1948. They built a home on the west side of Indianapolis where they lived and raised their family for 62 years. They met while they both worked at his brother, Ray’s restaurant, The Hatch, on Oliver Avenue. His brother made him walk Mary home every evening after work, and as Wally often said, he’s been walking her home ever since. Wally and Mary recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.

He opened Wally’s Cleaners in 1948 and eventually developed three locations. After operating the cleaners for six years, Wally worked at Citizens Gas Co., and later he worked at Hoosier Coal & Oil and at Ken Maddix Heating & Air Conditioning. Wally was an award winning salesman, winning multiple awards as “Salesman of the Year”

covering three states.

Wally enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and especially

Indiana University Basketball. He was a great IU fan. He played semi-pro softball in

The Valley for “The Valley Merchants.” Over the years Wally coached his son’s Little League team. He loved giving his grandson, Colin, some pitching advice.

Mary and Wally were members of West Morris Street Free Methodist Church for 47 years. They participated in a variety of activities at church, especially the senior citizens group called the SCAMPS. Wally played the harmonica for years, and he enjoyed playing for events at his church and at the senior community where he lived.

Wally never met a stranger. His family and friends will miss his gentle, friendly manner and his smile. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send a donation to: Riley Children’s Hospital, American Heart Association of Indiana, or West Morris Street Methodist Church