William H. "Bill" Murray, born Sept 11, 1936 and departed this life and joined the heavenly chorus on February 6, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Muggy; three daughters, Susan (Thomas) Cotten of Centerville, OH, Valerie (Michael) Cline of Neenah, WI, and Kathryn Murray of Ellison Bay, WI; brother-in-law, Doug Beardsley of Chicago, IL and six grandchildren, Sean and Natasha Cotten, Madison, Erin, Chance, and Kara Cline and grandpups Shadow and Penny and grandcat Casper. He also has many loving cousins across the country. He was preceded in death by his parents, William N. Murray, Jr and Emilie H Murray of Chicago IL.
He was a gifted musician, Bill played the piano and pipe organ for over 70 years. He earned his Master of Music degree from the American Conservatory of Music, and has been a Fellow of the American Guild of Organists since 1962. He shared his talents in many capacities, playing for Martinetti's Restaurant in Crystal Lake, IL, Maxwelton Braes Golf Club in Bailey's Harbor, WI, Fountain Court at the Fort Smith Holiday Inn, the Alma Middle and High School choirs, the Fort Smith Rotary Club and numerous senior living centers and nursing homes through Project Compassion, to include Methodist Village where he spent his last couple of years receiving outstanding end of life care.
Bill's greatest passion was his devotion to God and the Church. He was minister of music at Emmanuel Church in LaGrange IL; the Church of the Mediator in Chicago IL from 1971 to 1985, St. John's Episcopal Church in Fort Smith from 1985 until 1995, and First Presbyterian Church of Van Buren from 2005 to 2015. He also enjoyed singing and was a member of the Fort Smith Chorale until he could no longer continue due to health issues.
Along with music, Bill loved baseball and especially the Chicago Cubs. He was ecstatic when they won the World Series in 2016! He also greatly enjoyed sailing the clear waters of Ellison Bay in his beloved Door County, WI. Fresh air, good music, and the love of family undoubtedly contributed to his long and happy life.
Committal Services will be 3:30 P.M. Saturday, February 27, 2021 in the courtyard of St. John’s Episcopal Church, with the inurnment of ashes in the church columbarium. Masks are required, social distancing is encouraged and space is limited in the church courtyard.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St John's Episcopal Church, 215 North 6th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or to Project Compassion, 1205 South Albert Pike Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
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