Gerald Edward Murray

Gerald Edward Murray, 76, of Canton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

Gerald was born on May 25, 1949, in Haywood County, North Carolina, to the late Clarence Leslie Murray and Nancy Berlyn Cogburn Murray. He was a lifelong resident of Haywood County.

He was a graduate of Pisgah Senior High School, Class of 1968. Gerald was employed with BI-LO Grocery in Waynesville for 41 years, where he worked as a courtesy clerk. He was once recognized by regional television network WLOS as “Person of the Week” and had a feature article in the Mountaineer Newspaper highlighting his 41-year career.

Gerald is survived by his son, Brad Austin Phillips, and daughter-in-law, Lesly Phillips; his brother, William D. Murray (Betty); his uncle, Hubert “Tootsie” Cogburn; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom will greatly miss his smile and angelic demeanor.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 18th, 2026, at Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church located at 288 Chinquapin Rd, Canton, NC 28716 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Jeremy Cagle officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior starting at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow service at New Cruso Cemetery in Canton.

The family invites everyone to return to Pisgah Free Will Baptist Church Fellowship Hall following the burial for a time of fellowship, where a light meal will be shared along with memories, smiles, and laughter, just as Gerald would have wanted.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving the family of Gerald Edward Murray.