William Murray

William Edward "Bill" Murray

SEDALIA — William Edward "Bill" Murray, 98, of Sedalia, passed away Sunday, January 10, 2016, at Bothwell Regional Health Center, surrounded by his family.

He was born March 21, 1917, in California, MO, son of James Marshall and Dora Flippin Murray. On April 10, 1937, in California, MO, he married the love of his life, Margaret Adeline Petree, who preceded him in death on October 13, 2006.

As a young adult, Bill worked in the woolen mills in California, MO, and while living there he built his first home, which is still occupied by his niece today. He then moved to Sedalia and worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad shops as a boilermaker. Bill wanted to be his own boss, and became a successful builder, having built over 100 homes in the Sedalia area. He and his wife also built and operated Just-Rite Mini-Storage in Sedalia. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

In November 2006, he moved to Winchester Meadows, where he became a beloved part of that family. In March 2013, he went to live with his granddaughter, Terri Barker Bartol, and her husband Fred, and his companion dog, Molli.

Surviving are two children, Janette Barker, of Sedalia, and James Murray, of Ft. Myers, FL; four grandchildren, Ronnie Barker, of Sedalia, Terri Barker Bartol (Fred), of Sedalia, Kent Murray, of St. Louis, and Jamie Scoggins (Johnny), of Southridge, VA; eleven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Rosie Albin, Lorene Hatfield, Geraldine Andrick, Byrdia Hughes and Lois Dudley; and two brothers, Jr. and Jerome.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 14, at Heckart Funeral Home, with Shelby Barker and the Rev. Jim Downing officiating.

Casket bearers will be Bobbie Barker, Mike Albin, Dennis Henderson, Larry Petree, David Petree and Mike Smethers.

Honorary bearers will be Billy Dale Franken, Cliff Lear, Kenny Dick, Teri Neumann and Ethel Mangina.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 13, at Heckart Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.