Jerry Thomas Murrell

It is with deep admiration and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Jerry Thomas Murrell, at the age of 84. Jerry was surrounded by his family and loved ones as he entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. He was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, fiancé, and friend. His life was marked by his unwavering faith and his devotion to God, his family, and friends. Jerry was born on October 16, 1940 to Dora Elizabeth Zimmerman and Arthur Thomas Murrell in Gibsonville, NC. He was the eldest of eight children. From an early age, Jerry displayed a sense of responsibility beyond his years. Following his father's passing when Jerry was only twenty years old, he stepped in as a father figure for his seven siblings, helping to nurture and provide for his family through difficult times. His protective love and support for his sisters and brothers were a hallmark of his character, and he continued to play a central role in their lives even after they reached adulthood.

 Jerry was happily married to Esther Bunton Murrell for fifty joyful years before her passing in August 2015. Their marriage was a beautiful union of love and music; they found deep joy in playing and singing together, whether harmonizing as part of the Triple M Bluegrass Band or performing at church. Jerry was a talented songwriter, with a passion for bluegrass and gospel music that brought joy to many. He cherished the moments he spent making music with his bandmates and beloved wife, and he continued to sing and play the guitar with Strings of Faith up until his passing. 

Jerry was a life-long farmer who dedicated his days to working the land he loved. Over the years, he employed and mentored not only his siblings and several nephews and nieces, but also many young people in the local community, with his nephew Jeff following in his footsteps, and taking over his family farm. Jerry’s agricultural knowledge and remarkable musical abilities were paired with a playful sense of humor, which he used liberally to bring laughter and light into every room he entered. His jokes and stories were legendary, often delivered with a twinkle in his eye and a genuine desire to make others smile. Jerry was an active member of McLeansville Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and the president of his Sunday School class for many years. He was so excited to have written several of the church’s Christmas plays over the years. His faith was not just something he professed, but something he lived. 

Jerry was a volunteer firefighter and served on the board of directors for the McLeansville Fire Department, always seeking to make a difference. He also contributed his time to his community in many other ways, such as serving on the Soil and Water Conservation Board. Though he had no children of his own, Jerry's love overflowed into the lives of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, who were like his own. He delighted in their achievements, celebrated their joys, and provided wisdom and laughter at every opportunity. 

Jerry is survived by his fiancé, Joyce Fender, who brought him unconditional love and immense joy in his later years; his loving sisters, Dolly Gunnell and husband Jimmy, Donna Oakley and husband Cliff, and Bonnie Murrell and fiancé Jodie; his brother-in-law Danny Bunton (Faye), and sister-in-law Renee Bunton; as well as a host of cherished nieces and nephews: Wendy Allen (James), Donnie Murrell (Kim), Tonya Murrell, Jeffrey Gunnell (Ashley), Jennifer Brooks (Jason), Shannon Murrell (Amy), Heath Murrell (Tracy), Ivy Waterhouse (Chase), Casey Bennevault (Antoine), Alley Mitchell (Tony), and David Bunton, Michelle Bunton, and Danny Bunton, Jr. Jerry also leaves behind great-nieces and great-nephews whom he adored: Peyton and Sierra Murrell, Cameron and Krista Gunnell, Jase and Jacob Brooks, Asher Murrell, Keaton Murrell, Brandt and Wyatt Waterhouse, Leilani and Aston Bennevault, and Oakley and Remington Mitchell. Jerry is also survived by his fiancé’s family, Donna Brown (Brad), Lisa Fogleman (Bryant), Hunter, and Gracie. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Esther; both parents; his brothers, Kenneth, Larry, Bobby, and Jimmy Murrell; sister-in-law Virginia (Ginny); and brother-in-law Sammy Bunton. As we remember Jerry, we are comforted by the hope that he is now singing and strumming his guitar in heaven, reunited with his loved ones and embraced by the Lord he so faithfully followed. His life’s work, his humor, and his faith remain imprinted on the hearts of all who knew him. We hold close the words of 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Jerry's presence will be deeply missed, but his love and laughter will continue to resonate in the lives of all who knew him. 

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Jerry will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, November 17, 2024 at McLeansville Baptist Church by Pastor Mike Barnette and Reverend Allen Myers with the burial to follow at McLeansville Baptist Church Cemetery. The visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Saturday at McLeansville Baptist Church. Outside of these times, the family will receive friends at his home.

Donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or McLeansville Baptist Church, 5205 Frieden Church Road, McLeansville, NC 27301 or charity of donor’s choice.

You may send condolences to www.lowefuneralhome.com.