William Cooper Murdock

William Cooper Murdock Senior passed away on January 16, 2016. He died surrounded by his family at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, age 87. Bill was born in Statesville, North Carolina on March 22, 1928. After graduating from Statesville Senior High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Army Air Corps for eighteen months in the Allied occupation of Japan. Following his discharge, he returned to Statesville and married his middle and high school sweetheart, Peggy Joyce Welborn. He attended Appalachian University for three years while also starting their family. Bill and Peggy returned to Statesville in 1951 where he was employed by Statesville Brick Company; a job he held until 1969. The family moved to Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina in 1969 to pursue business interests in the brick industry. Bill and Peggy traveled together for 25 years selling brick throughout the country. They had many unbelievable adventures during this time. He retired from Triangle Brick Company in 1995. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His interests were wide ranging, but always involved water: boating, hunting, fishing, water skiing, trips to the coast, and summers by the lake. He was always interested in what his children and grandchild were doing, and was eager to participate in the events of their lives. His grandchildren loved him dearly and have fond memories of the time they spent together and of the stories he told. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas James Murdock Senior and Helen Cooper Murdock; and his brother Thomas James Murdock Junior. He is survived by his sweetheart and bride of 77 years, Peggy Joyce Murdock; sister Marilyn M Seay; children, William Cooper Murdock Junior, Michael Welborn Murdock, and Lynn Murdock Commander; and his grandchildren, Emmy Joyce Murdock, Lucy Marie O'Brien, Rachel Helen Commander, William Patrick Murdock, and Julia Morgan Commander. Bill was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to many. He will be missed. A family graveside service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital (stjude.org) or the SPCA of Wake County. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Bill Murdock, Sr.