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Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service

4124 Ironbound Road

Williamsburg, Virginia

Ernest Murdock Obituary

Ernest L. Murdock passed away quickly doing one of his favorite things, going to the flea market in Chesterfield, VA on May 29, 2022. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Burton Murdock of Elmira, NY and Jerry Murdock of Winnsboro, TX and son, Terry Murdock of Newark, OH. He is survived by his wife, Donna Murdock of 38 years; son, Todd Murdock of Williamsburg, VA; daughters, Tammy Murdock of Elmira Heights, NY and Tonya Flaherty (Tim) of Fairport, NY; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ernie was born in Toledo, OH, grew up in Columbia Crossroads, PA and attended Troy High School. He worked for 30 years at National Homes out of Horseheads, NY. He relocated to Williamsburg, VA in 1983 to build houses for KARSAN and then C. Lewis Waltrip, building homes in First Colony, the Mews and the Meadows. He was a master carpenter who built hundreds of bird houses, side jobs remodeling kitchens, baths, decks, sheds, and additions. He loved gardening and flowers everywhere. But his favorite time of year was Christmas time. The Christmas house in the Meadows was a favorite for people far and wide for 40 years. He always made something new each year. People would come just to see what was new. His pride and joy was his life-sized Nativity Scene. He got awards and pictures in the Gazette. Santa always made an appearance handing out candy canes. Ernie was very grateful for the help from his son and grandson, Todd and TJ, putting up all the thousands of lights and displays. NASCAR and flea markets were also among his favorite activities. He was lucky enough to go to the races in Texas, Charlotte, Pocono and Richmond. He loved life to the fullest, always gave a helping hand and wanted everyone to get a chuckle when he was around. A funeral service will be held on June 6, 2022, at 4pm at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Home. Please visit www.bucktroutfuneralhome.net to offer condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Virginia Gazette on Jun. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Murdock

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4 Entries

Criztina

December 31, 2022

We moved here in 2013 and I drove through the Meadows one year to look at the displays on a recommendation by my kids (others were telling her about the house). Sadly, we focused on finding her friend's house and didn't make it to the street where the famous house was lit up. Again, we were new to the area. Last night, we plugged in a bunch of addresses on our tour list hoping the lights were still up. We got out of the car to take in all the details at the Murdock house. We wanted to honor all the work and legacy of Ernie. Another family was driving around looking for the house they had seen in 2021 and I hated telling them it was the last year. They were so glad they had witnessed it too. He will be missed and his joy of Christmas will be missed. Wish I had known about it sooner. It was the most amazing display. SO many details, so much fun, and I agree that the nativity is the best!!! The reason for the season. Thank you for putting it up (with a memorial sign) in the yard one more time. You definitely honored Ernie in what you did this year. I watched a video from 2018 and saw many things that were added this year (or in the last 4) and my favorite additions were the wood trees (I need to get some of those for sure) and the American FLAG on your house. God Bless America. SO proud you have Jesus and America bold and proud. I wish I had known Ernie. He sounds like my kind of human. May he rest in peace and your family have peace in knowing you had a great example and a person who made people happy.

Jim & Carole Smith

June 6, 2022

Ernie was such a kind person . Every time I saw him he had a smile on his face . It was such a treat to see Ernie and Donna´s home at Christmas time . We shared it with our Grandchildren and my 98 year old mother and both loved it . We will miss this kind soul .

Alice Odom

June 4, 2022

Alice Odom

June 4, 2022

I moved to The Meadows in Williamsburg 27 years ago. The highlight of Christmas Season each year was the Murdock´s wonderful display of handmade settings and fabulous light displays on their front yard, roof, and back yard. I am so glad I took some photos .

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Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service

4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

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4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

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