Donald “Donnie” Eugene “Magic” Murray, 73, of Reedsville, passed away suddenly at his farm surrounded by his family on Jan. 15, 2022. Donnie was born Oct. 6, 1948, in Morgantown. He was the son of the late Jackson “Jack” Murray and Mary Ellen (Born) Murray.
Anyone who knew Donnie knew that he was a hard worker his whole life. He took great pride in driving truck for Murray Trucking Inc. from 1966 until the day before his death. He served as president of the company from 2000. Throughout his career, he served as a mentor and friend to many drivers and colleagues. Known as Black Magic or Magic, Donnie always had a smile or a joke for anyone he met. He truly enjoyed driving and being around his friends.
In addition to driving truck, Donnie could often be found in a hayfield preparing hay for the coming winter. His dedication to farming led to him earning the West Virginia State Farmer award as a young man in addition to many awards in FFA, including the 1966 Preston County FFA president. During his life, he also helped run Murray’s Garage and Murray’s LP Bottle Gas. In addition, he attended Woodland and Mill Chapel Church, where he enjoyed singing as part of the men’s group and choir. He also served in the Reedsville Volunteer Fire Department. Donnie was always busy and working hard to take care of those around him.
While Donnie truly valued his work and community commitments, his most important and precious role was taking care of his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Kathy Sue (Adkins) Murray. He fell in love with the girl next door and never left her side for over 50 years. He was a strong and dedicated father to his children, Cheryl Dawn Murray, Kelly Lynn Murray (Nathaniel Bowers) and Joshua Ryan Murray. In recent years, he found his greatest joy in his grandsons, Graham Hudson Murray Bowers and Theodore Henry Murray Bowers. They adored their pap pap as much as he did them. In addition to his immediate family, Donnie is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Clinton and Judy Adkins, Stanley Adkins and Brent and Glenna Adkins; and several nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins and close friends.
In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his siblings, Wilma Elaine Murray, Ronald Edward “Ronnie” Murray and Waunita Eileen Fox and husband Truman Fox, as well as his cherished in-laws, Badie and Helen Adkins.
To honor Donnie’s memory, the family asked that donations be made to the Reedsville Volunteer Fire Department, KAMP ambulance or a charity of your choice.
Friends may call at the Morgan Funeral Home in Reedsville, from 6-8 p.m., on Thursday Jan. 20, and from noon-2 p.m. on Friday Jan. 21. Please fill out a card at the funeral home with a memory or story about Donnie or download it to the tribute section online. Private services will be held to protect family and friends from COVID.
Morgan funeral home is honored to serve the Murray family.
Condolences:
www.morganfuneralhomewv.com
