Raymond Murray

Raymond Murray , age 97, longtime Wayne resident, passed away Friday, September 30, 2016, at the Lexington Nursing Home. Raymond Benjamin Murray was born September 10, 1919, in Wayne, Oklahoma, the 2 nd of 3 sons born to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Fielder) Murray. He was raised in Wayne and attended Wayne Schools. Raymond was born to farm, and this passion led to a successful and prosperous career. Raymond married Pauline Privett on May 6th 1940. Raymond borrowed $200.00 and purchased the land that became his first farm in May of 1944 and they worked side by side living their dream. In 1944, Raymond purchased his first John Deere tractor, the first of many to come. In 1948, Raymond moved to Oklahoma City where he worked at a machine shop for a couple of years. But he couldn't stop thinking about the farm, and so the family loaded up and returned home to Wayne. For the next 36 years, he leased up to 1200 acres at times. This brought him much happiness and he often recalled of his many blessings. Raymond also recalled of the best decision he ever made in life. He shared many times of when he knelt and prayed in a plum thicket and came out a new man who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a member of both the First Baptist Church in Wayne and First Baptist Church in Purcell, serving as Deacon in both. Years later after Pauline's passing, Raymond married Dennisteen VanWagoner in February of 1972. They built and lived in a farm house in 1977 and were happily married for many years, after her passing in 1995, he married Emma Privett Dockery and moved to Wickes, Arkansas and he remained there until 2013 after her passing on to the Lord. He moved back to Oklahoma and resided at Lexington Nursing Home. He cherished his family and they all played such an important part of his life. Raymond was a wonderful father and grandfather and leaves a lasting legacy for his family and friends. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: His parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Murray; His wives, Pauline Murray, Dennisteen Murray, and Emma Murray; 2 brothers, Jerrall Murray and Bud Murray and Infant sister, Lela Bell Murray. Raymond leaves behind: His daughter, Michaele Murray of Wayne; Stepsons, Steve VanWagoner of Arkansas; Mike and Nelda James of Arkansas 6 grandchildren, Christy Bartels and Ken of Slaughterville, Wes Turner of Maysville, Terry Turner and wife Shawna of Rosedale and Rachel Gonzalez of Maysville; Brittany Price and family Dustin James and family 12 great grandchildren, Morgann, Kody, Harrison, Kaylea, Coleman, Levi, Luke, Raynee, Tanner, Jake, Brayden, Copper and Embree And a host of other family and friends. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service has been scheduled for 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at the Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel in Purcell.

Raymond Murray

September 10, 1919 - September 30, 2016