Bill J. McMurray passed away Sunday October 19th 2008 in Richland from complications after a massive heart attack.

Bill was born in Pittsburgh, KS on January 22nd 1929, to Guy and Clara McMurray. He spent his childhood in Ft Scott Kansas and later attended the University of Kansas where he earned a degree in Biophysics. On the recommendation of his brother Paul, Bill moved to Washington to look for work at the Hanford Nuclear reservation. After moving to Washington, Bill met Geraldine Sue Kelsey who he later married on June 30th 1951 in a backyard ceremony at Geraldine's brother's home in Richland. Bill and Gerry were married for 57 years.

The couple adopted their first child, Steven in 1958, and adopted their daughter Nancy in 1961. The couple's third child, Mark arrived in the summer of 1968.

Bill worked at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation for 40 years, mostly in the area of emergency preparedness and health physics. He was a member of the Health Physics Society and had several articles published in the Health Physics Journal. Bill was a member of Central United Protestant Church a place he dearly loved for over 40 years as well. He leaves behind a legacy of literally hundreds of Bible studies and small groups he lead over the years. Bill and his wife Gerry were lay witness mission directors and spent many weekends traveling the region helping congregations find renewed passion and faith. For decades parishioners and visitors were greeted with a smile, handshake or a hug as they entered the church to worship.

Bill's intelligence and faith was inspiring to many, especially his family.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Guy and Clara McMurray, an older Brother Wendell McMurray, and another Brother Paul R McMurray.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine K McMurray and three children Steven McMurray Cindy McMurray, Nancy McMurray Eric VanWinkle and Rev. Mark McMurray Jennifer McMurray, he is also survived by 10 grandchildren; Tyler Bell Tamara Bell; Corynn McMurray, Erin McMurray James Newman Kara McMurray, Cori McMurray, Brian McMurray, Jackson McMurray, and Adeline McMurray, and one great-grandchild; Savaya Mae Bell.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 25, 2008 at Central United Protestant Church, Richland, WA at 10:30 a.m.

Bill's family would like to thank the Emergency Room and Critical Care staff at Kadlec Medical Center and especially Dr. Steve Zanders, for their compassion and help during Bill's care.

In lieu of flowers Bill's family asks that donations be made on his behalf to the critical care unit at Kadlec Medical Center.