William "Bill" Paul Murdock

William Paul Murdock, Sr., passed away June 1, 2026 at his home on Smith Mountain Lake. AKA ‘Bill’ or ‘Sweet William’, was born November 19, 1932, in Roanoke, to the late Sam and Catherine Webber Murdock. In his younger days, he spent many hours roller skating, and participated in the Soap Box Derby for 3 years. He was proud of his best finish runner-up in A Division and earned a trophy for fastest heat time. Graduating from Jefferson High School in 1950, Bill had an early interest in electronics, and furthered his education at Montgomery Junior College in Bethesda, Md. He served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. After discharge from the Navy in 1953, he began a long career with IBM. Spanning almost 39 years, he worked in Roanoke, Blacksburg, and retired in 1992 in Richmond, Virginia. He enjoyed sports, and participated as a fastpitch softball pitcher, and was an avid bowler in Roanoke and Richmond. He was instrumental in forming the Common Investors Club in Roanoke and served as its President for 3 years. Bill enjoyed making and fixing things. He built several pieces of furniture for their home. As one neighbor joked, “If it’s 90 degrees, Bill is down on the dock replacing boards”. Never one to call a repairman, Bill found a way to fix just about anything. He also loved boating, water skiing, fishing, and hunting. A perfect day for Bill was spent fishing or hunting with his sons, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, enjoying the family at their annual family reunions, or listening to the juke box with Elaine. Bill was also pre-deceased by his sister, Winifred Hentschel. Cherishing his memory is his beloved wife of 52 years, Elaine L. Murdock, his ‘5VT Sons’, Paul Murdock, Jr. (Kay) of Dayton, Ohio, Joe Murdock (Susan) of Midlothian, VA., Ben Murdock, Farmville, Mike Murdock (Rachael) of Dayton, Ohio, and Patrick Murdock (Shannon) of Roanoke, VA. Also, ten grandchildren, Craig Murdock, Matthew Murdock, Ryan Murdock, Megan Wilmer, Grace Murdock, Mary Murdock, Samantha Janego, Molly Murdock, Sam Murdock, and Finn Murdock, and ten great-grandchildren. In addition, surviving him is his brother Sam Murdock, Jr. his sisters-in law, Patty Poore and Linda Forrest (Ray), special friends Bev Faville and Doug Handy of Roanoke, nieces and nephews, as well as many, many friends. Bill would say that he was indeed a blessed man during his 93 years. The family would like to thank Hannah and Hailey of AMEDISYS Hospice for their loving care the last few weeks. In lieu of flowers, please send charitable contributions to SML Marine Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 899 Hardy, VA 24101, or Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 13, 2026 at Church of the Holy Spirit, 6011 Merriman Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. Visitation with the family will take place at 11:00AM, with service to follow. Arrangements are being handled by Conner-Bowman, Rocky Mount, VA.