William “Bill” Murray of St. Louis, Missouri left the bonds of this Earth on November 16, 2023. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri December 23, 1935 to Winifred and John Murray.
A devoted husband and family man, he donated countless hours to the development of the Affton Athletic Association to help kids from the South County area to have a place to play baseball and softball and later hockey where he spearheaded the building of the Affton Ice Rink and Affton Ice Hockey program. He was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010.
After serving time in the U.S. Army, he married the “love of his life” Antonette “Toni” Murray. Together, they raised their four children, Christine, John, Bill Jr. and Cindy. He began his work career in the construction and home building industry. He found his niche in sales and moved into the Wine and Spirits industry where he spent the majority of his time building business for a number of companies. His entrepreneurial drive developed many businesses and product launches, including Wine in the Glass, which received the 1987 Innovative Package of the Year Award.
An avid dog lover, Bill raised and cared for the family pets including Mitzy, Bruno, Minky, Brandy, Bourbon, Toxan, Tasha, Heidi, Gabby, Duke and Duchess.
He is preceded in Death by Winifred (Mother) John (Father) George (Brother) John (Brother) Ted (Brother) Alice (Sister) Michael (Grandson)
He is survived by his wife Antonette “Toni” Murray and his children Christine Murray-Kaplan, John (Joan) Bill Jr. (Patti) Cindy Zelenovich. Grandchildren Lauren, Lindsay (Lu), Jeffrey (Angela), Billy III, Meghan (Sean). Great Grandchildren Austin, Theodore and Luca.
Bill was loved deeply by his family and those who knew him best. He will be missed by many.
Visitation is Tuesday, November 21st from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at the Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Rd. St. Louis, Mo. 63123. A Private Burial Ceremony will follow on Wednesday, November 22nd at 12:00 P.M. at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery.
Donations to the APA (Animal Protection Association) in lieu of flowers is appreciated
Our dearest sympathies for the family.
Our hearts are breaking with you.
We will forever love and miss our Uncle Bill.
So many wonderful memories as a child, spent a lot of time with him, Don Dickman and Aunt Toni❤️❤️❤️
Love you all so much praying for Peace and Comfort to your Hearts♥️🙏🏻
John, Your Dad enjoyed a life well lived. A successful entrepreneur who was always full of energy and enthusiasm for life and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murray family.
John, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times!
🙏
we were neighbors for many years, always friendly and smiling. willing to help everyone. rest in peace neighbor!
Keith & Chris
So sorry. Mr Murray was a huge proponent of the Affton Athletic Association. The Murray family was one of several that set the foundation for what the complex has become to the community. My best memories are of the time I spent at AAA with these families. Peace Mr Murray and comfort for family and friends.
Sending love and prayers.
John and Joan, our prayers are with you and your family.
Mr. Murray took me to my first Blues game for my 7th birthday with my dad. He was always a fun and great person, always smiling. He gave me my love for hockey. His son John taught me how to be a hockey player and a baseball catcher. He made amateur hockey in St. Louis.
John and Bill,
I was very sorry to hear about your dad. A very nice man who helped me a lot down at Affton. Because of him (and Noel P) I was able to attend the hockey school and eventually play with you guys on the travel team. Memories I will always treasure!
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers…may he rest in peace.
Mike Gallo
Cindy,
I am so sorry to hear this and pray for your comfort and that of your family. He will be in my prayers.
John,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family during this time.
Cindy (Honey)
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father ,
May the “God of all comfort “ (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) keep you and your family in the comfort of his arms to sustain and support you in the days to come,
Washington University friend