Bill R. McMurray

Bill R. McMurray was 86 and living in San Benito, TX when he died on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 of cancer.  Bill was born in San Diego, TX to parents, Rufus McMurray and LuDell McMurray Billings on March 25, 1932.  He moved to Harlingen with his mother at the age of six, attended Harlingen schools and graduated from Harlingen High School in 1951.  He married June Gandy in 1954 and began farming in 1955 with his stepfather Edel “Red” Billings raising cotton, grain, sugar cane and vegetables.

Bill is survived by his wife of 64 years, June, and three children, Randy (Anita), Laura (Steve), Brett (Dana, deceased), seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and longtime family friend Adelina Birrueta.

Throughout his farming career he was on the Board of Directors and President of Rangerville Co-op Gin and a Board member and President of San Benito Irrigation District. After retirement, he enjoyed carving birds, sail boats, butterflies and flowers for his family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2019 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen, TX.

Funeral Services and interment will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2019 at Mont Meta Cemetery Mausoleum with Jake Vincent officiating.  Pall bearers include Scott McMurray, James Dalton, Shawn McMurray, Mason McMurray Leonard Simmons and Sam Simmons.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sunny Glen Children’s Home, the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shenkenberg, his staff and the ER and ICU staff of Valley Baptist Hospital for their great care of Bill.