Obituary for Bobby L. Murry at Searby Funeral Homes (2024)

Bobby L. Murry, 90, of Tamaroa, passed away at 3:51 A.M., Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at the Helia Healthcare of Benton.
He was born in Perry County on June 26, 1933 to Xelpho and Gertie (Gilliam) Murry. Bobby was married to Carole (Owens) Murry on August 8, 1953. She passed away on August 26, 2013.
He is survived by one son, Randy and wife Melody Murry of Benton; and two daughters, Cathy and husband David Crain of McLeansboro, and Pam and husband Marion Logan of Tamaroa; two brothers, Louie Murry (Sara) of Springfield, IL and Keith (Sue) Murry of Du Quoin; eight grandchildren including Natasha (Dr. Bryce) Nattier of Togo, Africa; Justin (Jaci) Crain of Carterville; Tiffany (Brian) Harris of Richmond, VA; Seth (Elizabeth) Logan of Tamaroa, Alex (Heather) Crain of Carterville, Nick (Sharnay Bradford) Logan of O’Fallon, Mikah (Jordan) Halm of Chicago, and Caleb Logan of Indianapolis, IN. He and Carole were blessed with 14 great grandchildren including Elliahna, Andrew, Sofia, Ahnilyse, Mélyna, and Josiah Nattier, Sloan and Harvey Harris, Tate and Tennyson Logan, Emory Crain, Miles Crain, Indie and Boston Halm.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bill Murry and Benny Murry, one sister, Mary Lou Dauksch, three sisters-in-law, Shirley Murry, Jean Murry, and Mary Ann Murry, and one brother-in-law, Lowell Dauksch.
He was a graduate of Du Quoin High School, where he was an active member of the Future Farmers of America. He won the honorary chapter farmer, as well as the DeKalb agriculture award. He was the 1950 chapter and section 24 Star Farmer with his sheep project. He also earned his state degree and attended the Illinois State Convention. In 1952, he attended the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, where he received the American Farmer Degree, the first student from Du Quoin to receive the award.
Mr. Murry served his country in the Army in Korea. For his service, he was awarded the distinction of Corporal, as well as the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon and United Nations Medal. After serving his country, Mr. Murry continued his passion for agriculture, studying at Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale and graduated as the first agriculture teacher in 1959. After earning his degrees, he taught agriculture for 30 years at Du Quoin High School, where he taught generations of students, who still call him by his nickname, Doc. As the FFA sponsor at DHS, he led the program to produce five American Farmers. He also served his community as a member of the District 300 and 208 school boards, superintendent of the agriculture department at the Du Quoin State Fair, and president of the Du Quoin Education Association.
In 1978, Mr. Murry began selling seed for Asgrow and DeKalb. His talent for talking to people led to a prosperous career, where he was the territory top 20 salesman in 1988, a charter member of the $250,000 Club, and the first to introduce nematode resistant and round-up ready soybeans, as well as the round-up and BT corn in southern Illinois. He retired from Asgrow in 2010. He served as a member of the Ewing Field Research Center Committee and served as chairman for five years.
Mr. Murry led a Christian life and was a wonderful role model for many as he served as a deacon and taught Sunday School at Nine Mile Baptist Church for many years. His contributions to agriculture, the tight-knit family he and wife, Carole, were blessed with, and his Christian faith will always be remembered.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at the Nine Mile Baptist Church in Tamaroa with Johnny Millwood officiating.
Friends may call from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M., Monday at the Nine Mile Baptist Church in Tamaroa and from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Burial will be in the Paradise Cemetery in Tamaroa, IL.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to the Bob Murry Agricultural Scholarship with donations made to Du Quoin Education Foundation and will be accepted at the service.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.