William M. McMurray Passed away peacefully at his home on June 25th, 2007 in Novato, California at the age of 51. Bill was born on April 20th, 1956 and lived his whole life in Marin County. He was profoundly committed to the public service. He balanced his wonderful sense of humor with a sense of seriousness that made him a truly respected leader. He was genuinely liked by all who knew him. He was a volunteer fireman, Emergency Medical Technician, ambulance driver, and then a 30-year member of the Marin County Sheriff's Office. Bill started as a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher. He became the Communications Manager in 1986. He was president of N.E.N.A. (National Emergency Number Association) from 2004 through 2005, serving the safety dispatching profession and the agencies and citizens of the county, and country. Bill is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sherrald, and his daughters, Geri, Amanda, and Meredith. Additionally he is survived by his mother, Bea McMurray, his sisters, Terry Jastrom, Mary Hoell, Tricia Bippus, and brother, David McMurray. He will also be missed by his many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. His highest priority was spending time with his family. A long time member of Lucas Valley Community Church, Bill served on the church board, and taught youth Sunday School weekly. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted and can be made to Lucas Valley Community Church, 2000 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael, CA 94903, 415-479-8987. Friends, family, and colleagues are invited to pay respects at a Visitation on Thursday, June 28th between 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the chapel at Mt Tamalpais Cemetery, 2500 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael. Private family services will be held at the graveside later this week. A public memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 9th, at the Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael. Funeral arrangements are through Mt. Tamalpais Mortuary, 415-459-2500. Bill will be deeply missed by the family he cherished, and by the larger community he served with passion. He attended Tamalpais High School, graduating in 1974.
