Ralph Murray Obituary
Visit the Wilmington Funeral & Cremation - Wilmington Chapel website to view the full obituary.
Ralph Murray, a devoted family man and retired general contractor, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 30, 1946, in Dillon, South Carolina, Ralph lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and deep love for those around him.
In 1968, Ralph established Ralph Murray General Contractor, dedicating more than five decades to his craft with unwavering integrity and commitment to quality. Through his work, he left a lasting impact on countless communities and the people he served.
Ralph's faith and family were the foundation of his life. His love for the Lord guided him as he worked diligently to care for and provide for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Peggy Wallace Murray; his children Dewayne Murray, Amanda (Jack) Phillips, Anthony (Vera) Murray, and Crystal (Donnie) Buie; his grandchildren Marjorie Murray, Avery Hill (Kayanna), Bailey Hill (Kaitlin), Colby Hill (Melanie), Adam Phillips (Sydnie), Ben Phillips, Timmy (Katie) Mills, and Carrie Mills; and his great-grandchildren Wyatt Spanjers, Abilene Hill, Barrett Hill, Landon Sligh, and Tatum Hill.
He is also survived by his brother Jackie Maynor (Terry) of Wilmington; sisters Betty M. Hurley of Burgaw and Patsy Harrell (Renee) of Tallahassee, Florida; and sisters-in-law Patricia W. Saunders (Brady) of Pine Tops, North Carolina, and Carla Maynor of Crawfordville, Florida. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Maynor, and his two brothers, Jimmy Murray and Bobby Maynor, whom he dearly loved.
Beyond his family, Ralph was a man of many passions. He deeply loved his animals, including his cherished pets Rocky, Wallie, Fluffy, and Socks, who were special companions to him. For the past 20 years, Ralph found great joy working on his little ranch, The Broken Spoke, where he raised cattle and lived the cowboy way of life each day. His love for the Old West extended to classic western movies and television shows, country and western music, and cowboy memorabilia. Ralph was truly a cowboy at heart.
Ralph treasured time spent with his family, especially during their frequent trips to the North Carolina mountains. He delighted in traveling scenic backroads, listening to bluegrass music, and taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, he enjoyed visiting antique shops and flea markets, always searching for vintage and nostalgic treasures.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 12:00 noon, followed by funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to Dr. Mary Rudyk and the staff of Senior Health Associates, Liberty Hospice, and Novant EMS teams. A special thank you is also extended to Jennifer, Latoya, and Shelly for providing exceptional care to Ralph during the final two months of his life.
In honor of Ralph's memory, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Spring View Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 801 N. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405, where Ralph was a member for several years.
Ralph will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and all whose lives he touched.
Share memories and condolences by visiting the "Share a Memory" tab.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099
In 1968, Ralph established Ralph Murray General Contractor, dedicating more than five decades to his craft with unwavering integrity and commitment to quality. Through his work, he left a lasting impact on countless communities and the people he served.
Ralph's faith and family were the foundation of his life. His love for the Lord guided him as he worked diligently to care for and provide for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Peggy Wallace Murray; his children Dewayne Murray, Amanda (Jack) Phillips, Anthony (Vera) Murray, and Crystal (Donnie) Buie; his grandchildren Marjorie Murray, Avery Hill (Kayanna), Bailey Hill (Kaitlin), Colby Hill (Melanie), Adam Phillips (Sydnie), Ben Phillips, Timmy (Katie) Mills, and Carrie Mills; and his great-grandchildren Wyatt Spanjers, Abilene Hill, Barrett Hill, Landon Sligh, and Tatum Hill.
He is also survived by his brother Jackie Maynor (Terry) of Wilmington; sisters Betty M. Hurley of Burgaw and Patsy Harrell (Renee) of Tallahassee, Florida; and sisters-in-law Patricia W. Saunders (Brady) of Pine Tops, North Carolina, and Carla Maynor of Crawfordville, Florida. Ralph was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Maynor, and his two brothers, Jimmy Murray and Bobby Maynor, whom he dearly loved.
Beyond his family, Ralph was a man of many passions. He deeply loved his animals, including his cherished pets Rocky, Wallie, Fluffy, and Socks, who were special companions to him. For the past 20 years, Ralph found great joy working on his little ranch, The Broken Spoke, where he raised cattle and lived the cowboy way of life each day. His love for the Old West extended to classic western movies and television shows, country and western music, and cowboy memorabilia. Ralph was truly a cowboy at heart.
Ralph treasured time spent with his family, especially during their frequent trips to the North Carolina mountains. He delighted in traveling scenic backroads, listening to bluegrass music, and taking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, he enjoyed visiting antique shops and flea markets, always searching for vintage and nostalgic treasures.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 12:00 noon, followed by funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Wilmington Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.
The family extends their deepest appreciation to Dr. Mary Rudyk and the staff of Senior Health Associates, Liberty Hospice, and Novant EMS teams. A special thank you is also extended to Jennifer, Latoya, and Shelly for providing exceptional care to Ralph during the final two months of his life.
In honor of Ralph's memory, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Spring View Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 801 N. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28405, where Ralph was a member for several years.
Ralph will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, dedication, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and all whose lives he touched.
Share memories and condolences by visiting the "Share a Memory" tab.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099
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