Richard Lane "Rich" Murray

Richard Lane “Rich” Murray, December 24, 1947, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2023, after an extended illness, surrounded by his loving wife Kathy, family, and friends. He was 75 years old.

Richard was born on December 24, 1947, to Ora Roland and Elma Kawanua Isley Murray both deceased.  Richard was predeceased by a brother, Jeffrey L. Murray.

Richard honorably served his country in the 11th Infantry Fifth United States Army where he was the operator of the plotting board and a mortar platoon specialist.  He received numerous decorations, medals, badges, and commendations: The National Defense Service Medal, Infantryman Badge Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, and Army Commendation Medal Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars.

After his service to his country, he worked for 29 years as a manager/co-owner of Byrd Auto Parts.  Following Byrd Auto Parts Richard started his own small home repair business where he helped numerous people with his limitless skills. Richard was always “on call” for any job big or small whenever needed.  He found joy in helping others and knowing his projects were completed with perfection.

On June 10, 1995, Richard married the love of his life, Kathy Holt Murray. Through their twenty-eight years together, they personified the promises of their vows and built a home of limitless warmth, hospitality, and love to each other and all who entered.

He was a man of immeasurable faith and a lifelong member of the former Friendship United Methodist Church on Friendship-Patterson Mill Rd., Burlington.

Richard’s loved ones left to cherish the memory of a man devoted to his family and friends include his wife, Kathy Holt Murray.  His brothers-in-law, Craven Holt (Dawn), Billy Holt (Angie); Nephews, Jeremy Murray (Rebecca), Justen Murray (Kara), B.J. Holt (Whitney), Justin Holt; Nieces, Brittany H. Hutchens (Bradley), Courtney H. Bender (Justin); Great Nephews, Cullen Murray and Caison Holt; Great Nieces, Layla Murray, Kinley Holt, Ava Holt, and Bralynn Hutchens.  Special cousin, Mary Ellen Andrews and lifelong friend, Danny McPherson.

His funeral will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Rich and Thompson Chapel in Graham, NC. A time of visitation and fellowship with the family will be held prior to the service at 11:30 am until 12:45 pm.

The Murray family would like to express their immense gratitude to all family, friends, and neighbors for your immeasurable support and prayers during this most difficult time.  We are humbled and grateful for your support, please know this is a gift we will always treasure.  We are comforted in knowing Richard received the best care available and would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Amy Parsons and her dedicated staff for their sensitivity and support during this period, we will never forget your kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the AuthoraCare Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215. Or Bethel United Methodist Church Memorial Association, 6364 Snow Camp Road, Snow Camp, NC 27349.

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