Russell Eugene McMurray
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Russell Eugene "Ky" McMurray, 65, of Christopher, formerly of Du Quoin, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:55 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, 2011 at the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, surrounded by family and friends reminiscing about past times with him.
Ky had worked at the Amax Coal Mine and had been a Food Supervisor at Menard Correctional Center in Chester and at the Du Quoin Boot IIP Camp. He was a member of the First Christian Church in Du Quoin.
As a little boy Russell loved riding bicycles, however his bicycles were never brand new. Therefore his greatest joy as an adult was buying under privileged children in the community new bicycles for Christmas gifts.
Russell was a avid Cardinal fan.
Ky was born Feb. 3, 1946 at Du Quoin, Ill. the son of Russell L. and Florence M. (Carson) McMurray.
Russell married Victoria Ann Robinson on Nov. 11, 1977 at the First Christian Church in Sesser, Ill. and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Christopher, four children- Nancy McMurray Gulley and husband John of Sesser, Scott McMurray and wife Emily of Du Quoin, Rebecca McMurray and Brian McMurray both of Chicago, five grandchildren- Audrey Gulley and Claire Gulley both of Sesser, John Robert Monroe of Du Quoin, Alexis McMurray and Joshua McMurray both of Hollywood, Fla., five sisters- Marilyn Purdy and husband Tom of Decatur, Ill., Vickie Larrimore and husband Ben of Murphysboro, Ill., Peggy Poe and husband Jerry of Mulkeytown, Ill., Patti Dalton of Murphysboro, Ill. and Carol Stacey and husband Kevin of Du Quoin, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers- Gary McMurray and Mike McMurray, daughter- Julie Paz of Garner, N.C.
Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Fr. Nick Junker and Pastor Jean Webster officiating.
Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial was in the Mulkeytown Cemetery at Mulkeytown.
Friends may make memorials to the Jaycees Bike Program and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.