Joseph Smith J.S. Murray, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Smith Murray, Jr. (J.S.) of Jonesborough passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 22, 2012. Mr. Murray was born in Spartanburg, SC. in 1920. His parents, Joe and Ella Murray, his first wife, Evelyn and his brother Hunter, preceded him in death. Surviving is his loving wife of forty-seven years, Geneva Baskett Murray. Also surviving are his daughter, Dianne Mooney, Johnson City and his sons: Lewis Murray and his wife Judy of Rock Hill, SC; Joe Murray and his wife Brenda of Winston-Salem, NC and Bob Murray and his wife Pam of Jonesborough. He was blessed with four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who also survive. Mr. Murray, a Greatest Generation WWII veteran, worked as an X-Ray technician for the Veterans Administration and later was a rural mail carrier. He also served as an elected member of the Washington County School Board from 1964-70. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was blessed with a quick wit and was consistently kind, generous and in every respect an 'old school'? gentleman. J.S. loved to read, keep up with current events and was an avid golfer who spent countless hours on the golf course with his beloved Geneva. The family is most appreciative of Bill Glover for his devotion and loving friendship in caring for J.S. thanks also to Mark, Charlie and numerous other caregivers for their service to Mr. Murray during his period of declining health. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Hill Baptist Church, 2501 Tenn. Hwy. 81, Jonesborough, Tn. 37659. The funeral service for Mr. Joseph Smith Murray, Jr. (J.S.) will be conducted at 11 AM Monday, December 24, 2012 in the Oak Hill Baptist Church, Jonesborough. Pastor Victor Wallace will officiate. The graveside committal service will follow in the Maple Lawn Cemetery, Jonesborough. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The Boone Dam Post # 4933 and the Tennessee National Guard will accord military honors. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM at the church prior to the service.