William Thomas McMurry

William Thomas McMurry (Bill), 91, of East Boothbay, completed life's journey on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Lincoln Miles Hospital in Damariscotta with his family by his side. He was born in Morganfield, KY on October 24, 1934, to George Thomas and Mary Estell Mauzy McMurry.

Bill graduated with honors from DePauw University in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in art. After a short stint as a commercial artist for General Electric, he was commissioned in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant. He completed flight school in Pensacola, Florida and later flew F-4 Phantoms, often taking off from and landing on an aircraft carrier. He later led the Combat Information Center (CIC) on the U.S.S. Saratoga and retired as a Commander after 21 dedicated years.

Bill earned a master's degree in systems analysis through the University of Southern California and had a second career in Naval technology as a program analyst in northern Virginia, residing in Oakton. He retired in 1998.

He met his wife of 62 years, Patricia High, in Virginia Beach in 1963. They were married in Charlotte, NC. While in the Navy, they had a wonderful adventure of Europe as Pat followed Bill's ship from port to port in the Mediterranean for several months. They lived in Jacksonville, FL, Beeville, TX where their son was born, then Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where their daughter was born. They then lived in Virginia Beach for the remainder of his military career.

Bill and Pat enjoyed sailing on the Chesapeake Bay and in Maine while on many summer vacations at Ocean Point. Their dream of retiring at Ocean Point became a reality in 1999 when they built a home there, affectionately named Loonmoor. He was the President and Treasurer of their homeowner's association and he and Pat became very involved in the community and St. Columba's Episcopal church.

Bill was instrumental in growing St. Columba's from a mission that met at the Boothbay Railway Village to the beautiful church it is today, and served as Senior Warden, treasurer, and lay minister. He was a member and served as president of the Wawenock Sail and Power Squadron. He was also an original member, treasurer and president of the Seaside Investment Club. Additionally, he was involved with the Boothbay Art Foundation, and his family cherishes the numerous, beautiful oil paintings that he bestowed upon them.

Bill was predeceased by his parents and his sisters Elsie McMurry Tawes (Robert Lee) and Sara McMurry Greenwell (R. Eugene) and nephew James Greenwell (Pam).

He is survived by his wife Patricia High McMurry; his son William Thomas McMurry, Jr. and his wife Lee Ann Drury McMurry; his daughter Carole McMurry Drury and her husband Robert Lee Drury; his granddaughters, Clare McMurry Smith (Alexander) and Mary Wells Oberdorff (Cole), and great-grandson Grady McLanahan Smith; nephews Robert Greenwell (Kathy), Bill Greenwell (Sharon), David Greenwell (Patty), John Greenwell (Margaret) and George Tawes (Patricia), Robert Tawes (Bonnie), and John Tawes.

The family is profoundly thankful for the caring staff of Lincoln Miles Hospital, Zimmerli Pavilion and Boothbay EMS. Bill was a true gentleman, role model, and optimist who shared his love with his family and the community and will be deeply missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Bill on Saturday, April 11th at 2:00 pm at St. Columba's Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Columba's Episcopal Church, 32 Emery Lane, Boothbay Harbor, Maine 04538.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.

Condolences for the family may be shared at www.hallfuneralhomes.com