Rev. Junior H. Murray, 80, of rural Robinson, IL died at 12:30 a.m. Monday, August 22, 2005. He was born May 11, 1925 in Robinson, IL, the son of Rev. H. E. Murray and Ruth Barrick Murray. He served in the U. S. Air Force during WWII in Guam. He retired from Marathon Oil Co. March 1, 1981, after 32 years of service in Operations. He preached in several area churches. He was a 24 year member of the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188, a 50 years member of Robinson Masonic Lodge #250; a 27 years members of the Robinson American Legion Post #69; the Palestine Eagles; a life member of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549 and Commander from 1992-1993 and served as State Commander of the V. F. W. from 1990-1991; and All American Commander 1993-1994.
He married LaVerne Wright January 15, 1993 and she survives. He is also survived by 4 sons and daughters-in-law, Joe and Diane Murray, Robinson, Kevin and Sherry Murray, Robinson, Jan and Jenna Murray, Flat Rock, Monty and Julie Murray, Hutsonville; 4 daughters and sons-in-law, Joene and Don Goodwin, Robinson, Colleen McDaniel, Robinson, Ruth and Jerry Lewis, Oblong, Trudy and Gene Wright, Robinson; 2 stepsons and their wives, Larry and Sharon Wright, Hutsonville and Freddie and Fayrene Wright, Robinson; 25 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Paul Murray, Cypress, TX; Philip and Caroline Murray, Robinson; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, Robert Murray; 1 sister, Bonnie Lee Murray in 1920; 3 half brothers, John Murray, Byron Murray, and David Murray; and 2 sons-in-law, Wade Johnson and Larry McDaniel.
Funeral services are Wednesday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson with Pastor Charles Rains officiating. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery, rural Flat Rock, IL. Visitation is from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 23rd with Masonic services conducted at 8:00 p.m. by the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250. Military graveside services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Flat Rock American Legion Post #139, and the Amvets Post #33. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.