Joseph L. Murray

Joseph L. Murray, 93, known by family and friends as Joe or Smokey, of rural Danville, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Nottingham Village.
Born June 25, 1931 in Sunbury, he was the son of the late John S. Sr. and Beulah (Kratzer) Murray. On September 21, 1952 he married the former Mary Lou E. Cotner and together they celebrated 66 years of marriage and constant companionship, until her passing in 2018.
Joe was a 1949 graduate of Montandon High School. He worked and retired from American Home Foods/Con-Agra in Milton after over 40 years. The church was always very important in his life, from attending and being a member at Montandon Baptist Church to attending and being very involved at Zion Lutheran Church, Turbotville after his marriage to Mary Lou.
It was at Montandon Baptist Church where he got heavily involved in music with his minister teaching Joe how to play the mandolin at a very young age. He played in various bands in his younger years and later started his own band, performing for 73 years, sharing his love of country, bluegrass, and gospel music. Joe performed for more than 6 decades at the Montour Delong Fair and freely contributed his musical talent over the years at the Washingtonville Annual Christmas Party, many church functions, senior groups, and nursing homes. He also played at the Mifflinburg Masonic Lodge Breakfast Club every month for over 25 years.
Joe was a proud 70 year member and oldest living past master of the Lewisburg Masonic Lodge #144, the Williamsport Consistory, and California Grange #941 where he was also a past master.
He enjoyed gardening throughout life and sharing his fruit and vegetables with others. Joe also enjoyed hunting adventures and a nice relaxing day fishing. He loved traveling with family and friends, and especially spending time at their cottage on the Isle of Que on the Susquehanna River.
Joe is survived by children: J. Robert Murray and his wife Arlene; Cindy L. Tarr and her husband Lon; Susan E. Wajda and her husband Frank; John E. Murray and his wife Ann; and Lana L. Reed; three grandchildren: Brandon A. Tarr and his wife Ariana, Jared B. Tarr, and Brynn N. Wajda; and two brothers: James R. Murray and his wife Betty, and Jay O. Murray and his wife Marion; and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, and wife, Mary Lou, he was preceded in death by a son, Michael P. Murray who died in infancy; and a brother and sister-in-law: John S., Jr and Catherine Murray.
Family and friends are invited to call from 9 to 11 AM Monday, February 3rd at Zion Lutheran Church, 39 Paradise Street, Turbotville where a Liturgy of Resurrection and New Life will be held at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Erwin C. Roux, officiating. Burial will follow in Presbyterian Cemetery, McEwensville. There will be Grange and Masonic services held starting at 10:45am.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions in his memory be made to the Shriners Children, https://lovetotherescue.org or to Zion Lutheran Church, PO Box 277, Turbotville, Pa 17772.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC, 207 Broadway Street, Turbotville. www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Joseph L. Murray, please visit our floral store.