Rev. Horace Vernon Murray

Rev. Horace Vernon Murray, born March 15, 1930, passed into his Heavenly on July 25, 2014. He was born to Rev. Richard & Dale Bridges Murray in Rocky Mount, NC. He worked for International Harvester Company where he was known for his outstanding mechanical abilities. In 1966, he was called into full-time ministry & was licensed by Southside Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC under the leadership of Rev. Lawrence Evans. He was a graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored many churches & loved God's calling for his life as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Roxboro, NC, Oak Level Baptist Church in Nashville, NC and Second Baptist Church in South Boston, VA. He retired from full-time ministry in 1995 but continued to serve as pastor of Averett Baptist Church in Virgilina, VA until his health declined. Currently, he was a member of Dan River Baptist Church in South Boston, VA. He served as the Chaplin of the South Boston Fire Department as long as his health permitted. He was proud to be a Veteran of the US Air Force where he served during the Korean War, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Barnhill Murray of the home; daughter, Theresa (Ted) Coleman of Lexington, NC; and his son, Jeff (Tammy) Murray of Rural Hall, NC. He is survived by four grandchildren, Matt & Morgan Coleman and Nathan & Alona Murray. He is also survived by his siblings - Jean (Claude) Butler and Jerome Murray of Rocky Mount, NC, Aaron Bruce (Cindy) Murray of Morehead City, NC, sisters-in-law, Elsie Murray of Greenville, NC & Shirley Dawes Murray of Richmond, VA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan Jeffrey Murray, his brothers, Clyde Hilton Murray & James Durwood Murray, & his sister, Diane Murray & his best friend & fishing buddy, Ed Cash of South Boston, VA. He leaves cherished friendships with Hayes & Mary Wagoner of Roxboro, NC & Mary Ann Cash of South Boston, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at 3:00 PM at Dan River Baptist Church in Halifax, VA by Rev. Doug Gibson with internment in the church cemetery. Family visitation will be from 1:00 - 3:00 PM prior to the service and immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. The family welcomes flowers and memorials can be made to Dan River Baptist Church Ramp Fund at 1228 Dan River Church Road, Halifax, VA 24558.