Rev. William F. "Bill" Murdock

Bill Murdock passed away on Thursday evening at Lewis Gale Medical Center April 18, 2019

Hagerstown, MD was home for Catherine Newcomer and J. Stuart Murdock.  They were happy parents with a son born on September 19, 1934.  Bill grew up in the Hagerstown Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church where he realized he wanted to become a Minister as he experienced a role model with his Pastor, Dr. Norment.  In preparation for the Ministry, Bill graduated from Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg), and Lexington (KY) Theological Seminary.

His early ministry found him on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where he served the Perryhawkin Christian Church.  He later moved to the Lansdowne/Baltimore area to serve the Lansdowne Christian Church.

In 1970 he met Jennie Sue Johnson (from Bedford, VA) who was working in the area. They married on September 25, 1971 and moved to Salem, VA in June of 1973 to serve the Fort Lewis Christian Church for almost 22 years.  In 1988 Rev. Murdock became a Volunteer Chaplain at Lewis Gale Medical Center where he has continued to serve until his sudden death.  Bill continued his Ministry by serving as an Interim Pastor at the Westhampton Christian Church in Roanoke, the Bedford Christian Church and Craig Springs Christian Church, Craig County.  Bill was active in the Regional Church of Virginia as Property Chairman for the Craig Springs Camp and Conference Center, and Teacher for the Laity Course held across the Region.  He furthered his education by attending the Alban Institute in Washington, DC

Bill joined the Salem Kiwanis Club and later served as President.  He continued to be active as a Senior Member. Bill’s primary interests have included model railroad, model ships, travel, telling stories, humor and reading mysteries.  Bill and Jennie Sue moved to Independent Living at Richfield in July, 2014 where he has been active in the Wellness Center and was the Cottage Representative for the Resident Meetings.  Bill and Jennie Sue adopted a family back in 1990 that lived in their neighborhood who have been a major part of their lives. Jeff Hodges/Karyn McAdan – Salem; Cindy and Bob Schneider, Grand Friends: Matthew/Kelsey, Melanie Hodges; Jenna, Stephen and Scott Schneider from Ohio; Jay Faucher/Traci Jefferson, nephew from Bedford. Nephew Rob /Yong Hui Faucher-Korea; Sister-in-law Sheila C. Johnson and nieces Jessica and Michelle from California.  Hagerstown relatives include Aunt Gloria McKee, cousins  Jo Ellen McKee, Bob McKee, Shelly McKee; Nancy/Paul Nally and Judy/Rick Wagner.

Memorial gifts may be made to Fort Lewis Christian Church Good Samaritan Fund (2931 West Main Street, Salem, VA 24153), Richfield Living Assisted Living Legacy Fund, Fort Lewis Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad or the Catawba Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. 

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Lewis Christian Church.  Visitation will follow in the Gathering Area and Reception in Disciple Hall.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Rev. William F. "Bill" Murdock, please visit our Tree Store.