Orvil Lee Murray

Mr. Orvil Lee Murray, age 78, of Patterson, passed away Friday afternoon (10/27/23) at the Bacon County Hospital following an extended illness.

Born April 17, 1945, in Patterson, he was a son of the late James Stephen and Pearlie Mae Thornton Murray. He lived most of his life in Pierce County and retired as a construction contractor, having worked for Mitchell Construction Company in Vidalia, BE&K Building Group, Daniels Construction Company, and built houses as a self-employed contractor.

A longtime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, he had served as the Minister of Music for 18 years and attended the Adult Sunday School Class.

A lover of music, he enjoyed playing a guitar and singing gospel and bluegrass gospel music. He was a member of “The Satilla River Boys” group and formed “The Revelators” with his cousin, Robert Thornton. He also enjoyed supporting and attending the Pierce County High School Band competitions for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Virginia Howard and Velma Cason; and 3 brothers, Frank Murray, Carroll Murray, and Rommie Joe Murray.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Donna Boyette Murray of Patterson; 3 children, Ashley D. Murray (wife Doree) of Grimes, Iowa, Avis Harris (husband Edward) and Sarah Rozier (husband Barry), both of Patterson; 9 grandchildren, Joshua (Emily) Murray, Hannah (Loic) Dupin, Sam (Ashley Nicole) Murray, Adam (Ashley Anna) Murray, Emmalee Murray, Aaron (Rebekah) Harris, Dorcas Harris, Abigail Eve Rozier, and Ava Belle Rozier; 3 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Minnie Cade of Blackshear; 2 brothers, Willard Murray of Palm Beach, FL and Claudie Murray (wife Linda) of Blackshear; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Wednesday (11/1/23) at 3 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Mill Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the service.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.