Billy Ray "Bill" Murray

Galena, Kansas resident Billy (Bill) Ray Murray, age 74, a devoted husband, father and grandfather joined his heavenly father early Friday morning, January 17, 2020. Bill was born April 15, 1945 in his family home located in Galena, Kansas. He was the son of Jackson Alvis and Thelma (Chew) Murray. He attended elementary and secondary school in Galena and was a member of the Class of 1963. Bill Ray Murray and Melinda Jane Carlisle were united in marriage November 4, 1966 at the Presbyterian Church Galena, Kansas. Bill will be joining Melinda in Heaven. They were happily married for 53 years before Melinda passed March 3, 2019. He is survived by his son, Gregg and wife, Christine and their children, Jarrett, Shane and Sarah of Dallas, Texas; his son, Bill and wife, Sharon and their children, Evan, Riley and Jenna of Sugar Land, Texas; his daughter, Tracy Hailey and husband, Scott and their children, Alexis, Jack and Mikayla of Melissa, Texas; his brother, Larry Gene Murray and his, wife Kathy of Pittsburg, Kansas; his sister, Linda Faye Williams and her husband, Gary of Cameron, Oklahoma. Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Jackie Neal of Galena, Kansas and Max Edwin of Fresno, California. Bill was an entrepreneur at an early age in Galena, Kansas. He owned and operated one of the town's pool halls on Main Street, then Bill's Bait Shop on 7th Street before building Bill's Self Serve, the first self serve gas station in Galena. Bill and Melinda relocated to Spring, Texas the Summer of 1978 where they raised their family. Bill transferred with the United States Postal Service where he retired after 43 years of service. Bill and Melinda moved back to Galena in 2017 where he enjoyed fishing, visiting friends and family and attending high school football games.

Bill was entrusted to Claire Brothers Funeral Home, 7901 Hillcroft Street, Houston, Texas 77081 for cremation. The family will hold a "Celebration of Life" honoring Bill in the near future. Friends and family are encouraged to share special memories of Bill and wear bright colors to celebrate his life.