William (Bill) Clarence Murray, 81, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Thursday, July 23, 2020, at Life Care Center in Fitzgerald.
Graveside services will be held 2 PM, Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Rebecca, Georgia, with the Rev. Don Woeltjen officiating.
Bill was born August 26, 1938 in Irwin County to Clarence Hobson Murray and Lula Mae Swain Murray. At the age of 3 years he had scarlet fever and his temperature was over 100 for a week. For this reason, he had a learning disability. In spite of this, Bill learned all about cars by looking at dealer car books. He compared different features and could name all cars from the Model A to the cars of the 70’s. Bill spent his time putting together model cars which he shared with small children. He rode his bike as far as five miles to visit friends and neighbors.
Bill was robbed at gunpoint at his residence and was pistol whipped. It took 32 stitches to sew up his head. For this reason, Bill went into Life Care Center and resided there until his death. While at LCC Bill raised the American flag every day and took it down at night as long as he was able. He also helped set up the activity room and rolled people in their wheelchairs to various activities. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Rebecca.
Bill is survived by his sisters, Barbara Woeltjen of Fitzgerald, Frances Crozier of Ocilla and Minnie Coker of Dade City, Florida. He is also survived by an aunt, Clora Stubbs of Shellman.
Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Hubert Larkin Murray, Walter Howard Murray and Albert Cleo Murray, sisters Ruby Murray, Thelma Wade, Ola Register, Cynthia Carr, Carolyn Wilson and Gloria Strickland and step- brother Guy Hogan.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Rainbow Comfort Ministries, P. O. Box 742, Fitzgerald, GA 31750.