Bobby Joe Murray Sr. peacefully passed away at his Cosmopolis home on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019. He was 83. Bobby was born on Oct. 13, 1936, in Laurens, Iowa, to Joseph and Frances (Sprong) Murray. In 1953, Bobby enlisted in the United States Navy. Bobby served on the USS Colonial and earned a China Service Medal during the Korean Conflict.
During his time in the Navy, Bobby met Margaret Lucille (Chaney) Murray. They married on March 16, 1956, in Everett, Washington, and moved to the Grays Harbor area in 1957 where they started their family and legacy.
Bobby was employed by Harbor Plywood for one year before he signed on with Weyerhaeuser pulp mill in Cosmopolis. After 37 years he retired as maintenance foreman. In retirement he continued his loves of hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking. He also loved the extra time he had to spend with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bobby was a member of the Elks Lodge, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Grays Harbor Camp Club, an active member of the AWPPW Local 211 and his local VFW, serving as commander for many years. Bobby is survived by his sons Bobby Joe (Tanya) Murray Jr. of Montesano, Richard (Sarah) Murray of Aberdeen and Lawrence Murray of Aberdeen; daughters Cynthia (Fred) Pellegrini of Hoquiam and Barbara (Dennis) Dyer of Aberdeen; sisters Lou Ann Peterson of Laurens, Iowa, and Lois Helen Hall of Hoquiam; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceeded in death by his loving wife Margaret Lucille Murray and sister Mary Jane Kuprewicz.
Bobby will be inurned at Forest Hill Cemetery in Cosmopolis. Memorials in Bobby’s name may be made to the Aberdeen VFW or Cosmopolis Fire Department, 19 F St., Cosmopolis, WA 98537. There will be an informal celebration of life at the Aberdeen VFW on Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. We are inviting all who knew Bobby to bring a dish and help celebrate and remember a great man.” Thank you. To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen is honored to assist the family.
