Rickey Lee Murray

After several months of failing health, Papa Rick stepped into the arms of Jesus during the early morning hours of November 14th 2024. Born on May 12th 1958 to the late Ruby Carl “Dee” and Irene Murray, Rickey Lee Murray was a lifelong resident of Gibsonville North Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Joni, daughter, Danielle Sockwell (John Paul) and son, Dylan Murray (Katelyn). He will be greatly missed by his 5 grandchildren, Easton and Braxton Murray, Case, Cailynn, and Cassie Sockwell, as well as his sister-in-law, Devonah Murray. Rick was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Dean Murray.

Rick graduated from Northeast Guilford High School in 1978 and later received an engineering degree from Alamance Community College. Rick was an engineer for Duke Power and retired from Duke Energy in 2020. He and his business partner and friend Hubert Penland also started Creekside Auction Company. Rick was a licensed auctioneer for many years. While he enjoyed his career, and excelled at being an auctioneer, his hobby of collecting farm toys was his true passion.

Rick began collecting toy tractors as a child and bragged to local tv reporter Roy Ackland that he “hoped to still have holes in the knees of my blue jeans from playing with tractors as an old man.” Amassing one of the largest collections on the east coast, Rick was inducted in the National Farm Toy Hall of Fame in 2015 and he was a member of the International Harvester Collectors of NC Chapter 42. He did much for the farm toy collecting community and hosted along with his friends the Tarheel Farm Toy Show and Auction for 32 years.

The greatest gift Rick leaves behind for his family and friends is the assurance of his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a member of Apple’s Chapel Christian Church, Reedy Fork Community Church, and most recently Westside Fellowship. One of the last things Rick said from his hospital bed was, “I’m ready to go.” When asked where he wanted to go, his response was “Heaven.” Blessed Assurance.

A visitation will be held at Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington on Sunday, November 17th from 4pm-6pm. The family is also receiving visitors at Rick and Joni’s home.

The funeral will be held on Monday November 18th at Apples Chapel Christian Church at 2pm by Rev. Mike Mitchener with burial to follow in Apple’s Chapel Christian Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in Rick’s honor to Apple’s Chapel Christian Daycare.