Jerry Dean Murray

Jerry Dean Murray, 74, of Centralia passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 at his home. Jerry was born March 24, 1940 in Centralia, son of Richard and Mildred (Williams) Murray. He married Terry Lynn Bright Porter on January 13, 1991 and she survives in Centralia. In addition to his wife of 24 years, he is also survived by three children: Randal Murray and wife Diane of Westerville, OH, Leah Jane Higginson and husband Jerry “Jay” of San Antonio, TX and Thomas Murray and wife Karen of Blue Springs, MO; five grandchildren: Kathleen Murray of New York, NY, Jennifer Murray of Providence, RI, Sara Higginson Gallion and husband Matthew of San Leandro, CA, Jon Higginson and Fiancé Brittany Borgia of San Antonio, TX, Jared Murray and Isaac Murray both of Blue Springs, MO; one great-grandchild: Hayden Brynn Gallion of San Leandro, CA; two nephews and three nieces; three brothers: William Murray and wife Madeline of Salem, James Murray and wife Sheila of San Antonio, TX, and Charles Murray and wife Mary Katherine “Kay” of Covington, KY; three step-children: Brandy Hicks Leber and husband Matthew of Sesser, Dell Hicks and wife Susan of Sandoval, Michael Hans and wife Brandi of Pittsburg, PA; eight step-grandchildren: Stevie Lynn Brashear, Madison Jean Brashear, Oliver Leber, Koen Leber, Ethan Hicks, Emily Hicks, Shelbee Dunaway, Bailey Hans, and Brittany Hicks; one step great-grandchild: Kyndall Lynn Brashear; two brother in laws: Julian Bright and wife Cathy of Alhambra, IL and Francis Bright and wife Shirley of Highland of Highland, IL; very special friends, John Hornbeck and wife Linda. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Dallas James (Jimmy) Bright. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Marion County residing on the family farm in Raccoon Township settled by his great-grandfather, an immigrant from Ireland in 1861. He was a graduate of Salem Community High School. Jerry retired from the family farm and enjoyed careers in insurance, operating Centralia Bus Transportation, and was also a commercial truck driver for many years. He served as a member of the Raccoon Elementary School Board, member of the Raccoon Water Department Board, member of the Centralia Masonic Lodge and was also a volunteer fire fighter with the Centralia Volunteer District Fire Department. Jerry was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Men’s Auxiliary Post 2055 in Centralia, VFW and American Legion burial detail and a member of the Community of Christ Church in Salem. Funeral Services for Jerry Murray will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home with Elder Joan Munter officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SSM Hospice, to the family or donor’s choice and will be accepted at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Jerry Dean Murray

March 24, 1940 - January 17, 2015