Robert Earl Murray, 69, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, son, cousin, uncle and friend passed away on October 17, 2021 at his home in Botetourt County, following an extended illness.
He was raised on the Murray family farm along with his three siblings. He graduated from Lord Botetourt High School, then joined the Navy for four years where lifelong friendships were made. He dedicated his life to his loved ones and to the family apple cider business that he inherited from his father and uncle.
He was a kind-hearted man with an amazing sense of humor who loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He had a smile that could light up the darkest room and could find just the right joke to entertain any group of people. He retired from the Navy to work and learn every aspect of the apple cider business and in his final years proudly served as the President of Murray’s Cider Company.
Robert was a lifelong member of Cloverdale Church of the Brethren where he was a faithful choir member and over the years served on various committees and chairs; plus he and his wife were youth advisors for seven years to many young people in the church and neighborhood.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Walter Kent Murray Jr., and his mother, Kathryn (Sally) Miriam Garst Murray.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Janet Motley Murray; and his daughter, Kathryn Miriam Murray Ruff, that he lovingly called his “earth angel” as she took care of him during his illness. He is also survived by his adoring grandsons, Cameron Michael Murray and Kaleb Jaydon Ruff; and one great-grandson, Aiden Robert Murray. A big thank you to Cameron Murray and Jason Ruff for picking Robert up from dialysis treatments and getting him home. He was also survived by his brothers, Joseph K. Murray and wife Vickie, Mark E. Murray; sister, Alice Lee Hopkins and husband Jesse; niece, Jennifer Murray Greven and family, nephew Clay Garst Murray and family; and his beloved cousin, Anne Murray Reid and family, Andy Murray and family, Elaine Murray Reubush and family, and Steven Murray along with many other family and friends.
Robert was adored by his wife, daughter and grandsons.
Due to Covid concerns, the family will have a memorial graveside service on November 6 at 2 p.m. at the family cemetery for close friends and family. Plans are to have a church celebration of his life in the coming spring or summer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in Robert’s memory to St. Jude, American Liver Foundation, National Kidney Foundation or Cloverdale Church of the Brethren.
