Donald Ross Murray Jr

Donald "Ross" Murray, Jr. 1941 - 2013

Donald Ross Murray, Jr., age 72, died Thursday, March 7, 2013 with his loving wife, Linda, by his side. Ross was born February 12, 1941 to Bertha May Phillips in Salt Lake City, Utah, and given the name Donald Ross Wattles. Bertha soon married Donald Ross Murray, Sr. and changed Ross' last name to Murray when he was adopted at age 16. Ross and his brother Pat (born to Don and Bertha 3 years after Ross was born) grew up in Salt Lake City.

Ross never met his natural father, Clyde Darrius Wattles, but instantly fell in love with his newly discovered step-mother, Marie Cloninger Wattles. He was also thrilled to learn that he had three new sisters (Betty Starr, Peggy Borrego and Patricia Wattles) and many new nephews, nieces and cousins.

On June 6, 1975 Ross married his sweetheart, Linda Mae Black Murray. They shared almost 38 years of love, companionship and adventure.

Ross had three children from his first marriage to Renee Allen: Scott, Michele and David. Ross and Linda had two daughters: Robyn and Crystal.

Ross had many careers in his lifetime: Quality Assurance Engineer, Financial Planner, Calculator Salesman, Milkman, Railroad Track Gang, Gas Station Attendant, Insurance Salesman; Auditor and Vice President of a Savings and Loan were a few of his careers. He was also a self-employed owner of several businesses including concrete resurfacing, battery retail, two mortgage companies, and a pizza delivery business. He also invented and patented a gasoline saving device called "The Little Gem".

He loved the outdoors and all it had to offer. Camping, hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, treasure hunting, archery and golfing all provided hours of enjoyment for him. Studying and teaching Martial Arts and other self defense techniques was truly a delight for him. Ross also loved to compose songs and poems and documented 48 of them. During quiet times as a child, you'd find him reading the encyclopedias. Later in life he loved watching the History Channel on T.V. His favorite love, however, was time with his family and friends. He was loving, warm, attentive, and devoted to his family. He made people of all ages feel special, loved, important, safe and secure. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and it was important to him to have his temple recommend renewed before he died. Ross achieved and obtained numerous certificates and recognitions during his careers.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; five children - Scott (Janet) Murray, Michele Murray, David Murray, Robyn (Rob) Schow and Crystal (Mike) Rodeback; eight grandchildren - Cas Mills, Ambry Schow, Jarem Schow, Emi Schow, Jaxon Schow, Irelynn Schow, Chase Rodeback and Paiten Rodeback; siblings - Patrick (Kathryn) Murray, Betty Starr, Peggy (Gene) Borrego, Cal Cottrell, Peggy (John) Stevens, Donna (Danny) Allen, Connie (Bruce) Myers, Robert (Marilyn) Black, Rick (Jeanne) Black, Chris (Klea) Black and Morgan (Tina) Andersen; mother-in-law, Peggy Black; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Preceded in death by parents - Donald Ross Murray, Sr., Bertha May Phillips Murray, Clyde Darrius Wattles, Marie Cloninger Wattles, H. Reed Black; siblings - Patricia Wattles, Mary Cottrell and Ron Black; nephews - Chris Polk, Daniel Allen, Alan Pack, Storm Hall and Tiger Hall; and nieces - Janie Mae Jeppson, and Gracie Black.

He will be remembered for his boundless love of family and friends, his sense of humor and his generosity.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewings will be Thursday night, March 14, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Holbrook Mortuary and Friday morning, March 15, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cottonwood Heights 1st Ward Building, 7075 South 2250 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cottonwood Heights 1st Ward Building, 7075 South 2250 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. Dedication of the grave will be following the funeral services at Larkin Cemetery, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah.