Douglas Wayne Murray

Douglas Wayne Murray Sr. died peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 30, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Martha Gray; two sons, Doug Jr., Brian and his wife Lorie; 9 grandchildren, Spencer, Doug III (Katelyn) Cameron, Marlee, Meredith, Lauren, Collin, Megan and Maleigh (Brendan). He is also survived by a sister, Fran Arfaras and many nieces and nephews. He considered Nann Eh, Vivien Sparks, and Teresa O'Dell Leblanc as part of his family and loved them like daughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Sarah Murray; brother, Ed Murray and sister, Mary Lou Rakes.

Doug graduated from Delta State University in Mississippi with several of his high school buddies from William Byrd. His love of Mississippi and the friends there stayed with him all his life. After College, he served in the National Guard and came back to Roanoke and taught school at William Fleming before becoming a realtor In 1966.

In 1974 he formed Murray Realty Inc. and later MRI Community Management LLC serving the Roanoke Valley. He loved his work and his staff and had stayed active in it until the last several months.

Doug was a loving family man and will be missed for his care, guidance, and optimistic view of life.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 12th, at Northview United Methodist Church on Ridgecrest Dr. in Hollins, at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Robin Barge. Visitation will be 1:00 PM prior to the service and a reception for friends and family will take place at the Village at Tinker Creek clubhouse immediately following at 6101 Plantation Circle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Gideon's International at www.sendtheword.org or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Peters Creek Chapel. (540) 366-0707.