Richmond, Virginia
DePILLARS, Murry N., Ph.D., died May 31, 2008. The Richmond, Va. memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 12 noon in the Allix B. James Chapel at Virginia Union University, 1500 North Lombardy Street, Richmond, Va. 23220. The Chicago, Illinois memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11 a.m in the ETA Theater, ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60619. Memorial contributions in Dr. DePillars' name should be made to (please include Matching Gifts forms where applicable): Virginia Union University, c/o Mrs. E. J. White, President's Office, 1500 North Lombardy Street, Richmond, Va. 23220; Friends of African and American Art, c/o Ms. Rubie Britt-Height, The Virginia Musueum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Va. 23220; Pine Camp Arts & Community Center, c/o Mrs. Darlene Marschak, Arts Advisory Council, 4901 Old Brook Road, Richmond, Va. 23227; ETA Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60619; or the Third World Press Foundation, P.O. Box 19730, 7822 S. Dobson Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60619. Online guest book at www.scottsfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Dr. DePillars because of you, I became successful as an artist/designer. Your strength and encouragement made all of us better. I still have your letter framed that you sent me when I started my career at USA TODAY in 1983. Thank you. I am eternally grateful and may you rest in peace.
Dashton Parham
March 17, 2022 | Woodbridge, VA | Student
Very simply put....Dean DePillars changed the trajectory of my entire life. Over 30 years ago Dr. D saw potential in my abilities that I didn't even know existed. His vote of confidence (and admitting me to the VCU Arts program despite extremely lackluster grades and test scores) allowed for a fulfilled life and career in education to be garnered. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Your presence will be forever missed.
TM Higgins
November 07, 2018 | MONROE, NC
Dear Mary and family, As we extend our deepest sympathy, please know that we will miss Murry and hope that our words of comforrt along with those words and actions of others will sustain and comfort you during this difficult time.
Clarence and Grace Townes
June 25, 2008 | Richmodn, VA
A truly great man, husband, father, son, confidant, and friend who will be truly missed. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Dr. DePillars while employed @ VCU from '87 through '99. I can remember many times... I knew he was coming or within close proximity by the pleasant aroma of his pipe... his trademark. A polished gentleman! I send my prayer’s and condolences to the family of Dr. DePillars may God provide you the strength to endure and the courage to continue. He was a rare...
VCU Alumni
June 20, 2008 | Henrico County, VA
I am shocked and saddened by the news of Dr. DePillar's death. He was dean while I was an art student (73-76), and he so strongly supported all of us who were in the Crafts Department, and provided wisdom and guidance. My sympathies to his family, to VCU, and to Richmond. A wonderful person is with us no longer.
Carolyn Duckworth
June 20, 2008 | Gardiner, MT
June 9, 2008
Dear Mary,
On behalf of your friends and classmates in the dynamic VUU Freshman Class of 1964 and Graduating Class of 1968, I extend this message to you and your family as our formal expression of heartfelt sympathy and condolences as you mourn the untimely death of your husband, Dr. Murray N. Depillars. May you find comfort in knowing that we share your loss and stand ready to support you during your bereavement. Let us know whatever we can do to assist in...
Wistar Withers
June 13, 2008 | Centreville, VA
Mary and family,
Murry will forever be an elegant and classic legend for all of us who knew him and have benefitted from his wise counsel, support and generosity. He was an inspiration and anchor for those of us who were VCU students in the 70s, and he was a consummate friend and counsel as we moved ahead in the workaday world. When my son got into VCU art school in 1997 after Murry retired, my father and I talked about Dean DePillars, the man and his art, so often that my son knew that...
Carmen Foster
June 12, 2008 | Richmond
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
From the Staff of Scott's Funeral Home
June 11, 2008 | Richmond, VA
When I needed a friend, Murray was there. When I left Richmond in 1974, I maintained contact sporadically with him for a few years, but got caught up in my new life and stopped corresponding 30 years ago. I thought of his dynamism and his strength often, promising to give him a call but never did. His name always came up when I spoke with Vincent Wright. Now I can't call. The world is a smaller place without Murray in it.
sid cassese
June 10, 2008 | Uniondale, NY
