Joseph Robert Murray
August 24, 1949 ~ August 31, 2025
Born in: Nash County, NC
Resided in: Nashville, NC
Nashville – Joseph Robert Murray, age 76, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Born in Nash County, NC on August 24, 1949, he was the son of the late John Robert Murray and Sarah Marie Sanders Murray. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Quther Murray, William “Gattis” Murray, and Jettie Murray; and his sisters, Starr House and Hortense Hicks.
A man of great faith, Joseph was a longtime member of Fishing Creek Baptist Church. He retired as the Scheduling Manager for Ceco Building Systems after 44 years. Widely known and respected by his family, work and church family, and the community, Joseph was never afraid of meeting and making new friends and was admired and loved by all those who knew him. He enjoyed expanding his knowledge of both history, politics, and the intricate workings of government and was a master at Trivial Pursuit. An avid sports fan, Joseph loved watching ECU football and Duke basketball and following his life-long baseball team, the New York Yankees. A devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and good friend to many, Joseph will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Joseph is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ann Carter Murray; his sons, Robert Benjamin Murray (Phoebe), David Franklin “Frank” Murray (Laura) and Thomas Bradley “Brad” Murray (Kristin); his grandchildren, Cian Murray, Asher Murray, Joy Murray, James Murray, Sara Murray, and Liam Murray; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Joseph’s life will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Fishing Creek Baptist Church, 15150 Avent Road, Whitakers, NC, 27891. Burial will follow the service at Fishing Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Services
Funeral Service: Sunday, September 7, 2025 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Fishing Creek Baptist Church
15150 Avent Road
Whitakers, NC
27891
Burial: Sunday, September 7, 2025 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Fishing Creek Baptist Church Cemetery
15150 Avent Road
Whitakers, NC
27891
Visitation: Saturday, September 6, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N Winstead Ave
Rocky Mount, NC United States
27804
(252) 451-8800
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My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Prayers for your family during this time.
Jackie Bass Pridgen
Thinking of you guys with love and sympathy during this time. God bless you all.
Judy and Braden Craig
I worked with Joe at Ceco for almost twenty years, always considered him a great friend, had a lot of good conversations, mostly about sports. Joe was considered the walking sports encyclopedia at work, so there weren’t too many times I could stump him with any sports trivia. Did not see Joe but a few times after his retirement, however, I will always remember him for his kind nature and good sense of humor. My thoughts and Prayers go out to all his family and friends.
Joe had an incredible memory at work and could remember jobs and job numbers from years in the past without any hesitation.
He loved his Duke basketball and ECU teams as well. He will be missed and will always be remembered as a long-time member of the Ceco family
Joseph is a cousin on the Murray/Whitley side of the family. His father and mother were my Great Uncle and Great Aunt. I looked forward to seeing him when families came together for special events. Our loss is heaven’s gain. Praying for God’s presence to give comfort, strength and love to all family members.
Rev. C. W. Moss
Joseph and I are cousins on the Murray/Whitley side of the family. With us being the same age, we enjoyed time together, along with Starr and Jetty’s children, when my parents would visit with them. Joe was always so much fun!
May you be comforted by God’s love, strength, and peace.
Brad so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. May God continue to give you & all your family peace and comfort. Love you. Aunt Jo
Carolyn,
I’m very sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending my condolences.
So very sorry for your loss