William Jack (Bill) Murray was born in Georgetown, Texas on June 28th, 1950, the son of Jack and Helen Love Murray. In 1972 he graduated from Sol Ross University with a degree in animal science. His favorite sport pastime in college was tennis, which he greatly excelled at.
The Murray’s purchased a ranch south of Miles City in 1982 which they operated until 2006, on the passing of Jack Murray.
Bill met Arla Jeanne Hartman in 1984 at the Bucking Horse Sale and was introduced by her father Frank Hartman. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on June 29th, 1985. They purchased a neighboring ranch from Les and Donna Hirsch which they operated til last fall when it was sold to Ryan and Niki Jones.
Bill’s favorite pastime on the ranch was moving cattle horseback, hunting prairie dogs and farming. He always insisted on Arla Jeanne jumping in the pickup so he would have a gate opener.
Bill and AJ traveled extensively visiting all five continents and taking many cruises. Some of his favorites were a safari in Africa which included riding camels, a trip to Moscow and the Home of Catherine the Great. They cruised the Suez and Panama Canals, visited the Holy Land, New Zealand and Australia.
Bill was known for his easy-going manner and uplifting demeanor. People gravitated to him and always left his presence feeling better about themselves and life in general.
Bill died on January 18th, 2025, after a long illness. A special thank you goes to Dr’s Christine and Matthew Hartman for spending weeks at his bedside in Minneapolis, comforting and being his medical advocates. A thank you also goes out to Lonnie Leslie for his flying service.
Bill is survived by his wife Arla Jeanne, his sister Mary Helen and Ron Mitchell of Houston, TX; his brother Diaz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Helen Murray and his brother Lige Murray.
Should friends desire a memorial may be made in Bill’s name to Med Share, Tunnel to Towers, or the charity of one’s choice.
A visitation will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. A Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Riley Center. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday January 24, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 25, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday January 25, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday January 24, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 25, 2025
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Rite of Committal
Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday January 25, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Cemetery Rd
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Don and Vernetta says
We are so sorry to hear Bill has passed what a joy he was to have around always enjoyed his visits and his laughter. rest in peace 🙏🙏
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
Our sincere condolences to Arla and his family. We all just lost a very dear man and friend. We will miss you Bill. Until we meet again, soar high.
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Joby Parker says
Dear Arla and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Bill”s passing. Many hugs and prayers to you all. Bill will be greatly missed .
He had such a great sense of humor and we enjoyed visiting with him. Rest in peace.
Bill and Joby Parker
Marcy Stabler Parks says
Arla Jean, and all of the Murray and Hartman families, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. What a nice man! My heart goes out to all of you, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dorthy Ley says
To Bills family Bill was one of the nicest men I ever had the honor to drive truck for during silage harvest. He & his father was such gentlemen and so kind. I really enjoyed driving for them. RIP Bill & tell your Dad hello from me. Prayers for all his family.
Ron/June Tibbetts says
We are so sorry to hear about Bill. Always enjoyed his great sense of humor. Prayers for you Arla Jean and family🙏🙏🙏💕
Chase Sucrets says
I am so sorry to the family for the loss of Bill Murray! He was a great man and actor. Always made me laugh. Whether it was Groundhog’s Day, What About Bob or classic Caddyshack…Bill would always make me laugh. RIP Bill!
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Our sympathies to Bills family. So enjoyed visiting with him.
JR and Carol Bean says
I am so sorry to see this. What a fun, gentle man Bill was. I have fond memories of waiting on him at the courthouse and we will always remember him always making fun of JR working on tires in his shorts. “Where’s the other half of your pants?” And I will miss seeing him in church. Prayers to all.
Darbie Karch says
Condolences go his family! Bill was such a nice guy and enjoyed seeing him. He will be missed. 🙏
Isabella Fuhrman says
I’m so sorry to see this . I loved getting to know bill and I know now him and my grandpa Keith are safe with each other I’m happy I got to meet him You will be missed so much bill
Carol Schneidt says
Murray Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you! Like Carol Bean, I always enjoyed waiting on Bill when he’d be in the Treasurer’s office!
Diane Weklbes says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Linda Love Berrey says
Bill was one of my favorite cousins. I always looked forward to Thanksgivings in the past when we would go to Georgetown! Bill could always make me laugh! How I love this family! I will miss him and will keep his precious family in my prayers.
Ellen Hart says
Arla, I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
DALE E BARTA says
Arla and Family – So sorry for your loss. Was always a great moment to have a conversation with Bill. He was a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Rod & Sue Heitschmidt says
Arla Jean and family, So sorry to learn of Bill’s passing. Y’all were great neighbors and friends. Don’t know who is going to wash Bill’s PU on occassion, but know it won’t be me! God’s grace to eACH OF YOU.
Gayla Bredahl says
Area Jean , words cannot express our heartfelt feelings for YOU and your family. We pray that God will help you through this time of your life with the healing process.
Hang on to all the wonderful memories you have with him .He would want you to live life to its fullest, as you did with him. God Bless, Gayla & Myron
Jim Altenhofen says
ARLA JEAN
SO SORRY, A TRUE GENTLEMAN AND GOOD FRIEND.
Joanne Richardson says
Arla Jeanne and Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Always enjoyed seeing Bill in church whenever he was able to attend. May the Lord send his peace and comfort to help you heal in the days ahead, and may Bill rest in eternal peace and happiness.
John Munsell says
Have lots of fond memories with Bill, including P.Dog hunting, in which he carried a loaded rifle in the pickup. Shooting pheasants with our dads, who eventually became bird dogs. Great fellowship with Bill and AJ. Bill will be missed. I was impressed beyond measure how long Bill fought the battle for his health, and equally by AJ’s daily presence with Bill in the hospital, months on end. Bill passed on, knowing he was loved.
Jenny Heuck says
Dear Arla Jeanne and Family,
Since learning of Bill’s death a flood of memories from our Miles City days have come rushing back. I met Bill playing coed volley ball at the centra – he always made me laugh and forgave me for being a terrible volley ball team mate. Dave and I always enjoyed the times we got to spend with you at the ranch and in town. Your friendship meant so much to Dave and he loved swapping ranch stories with Bill. Sending hugs and all my love,
Jenny Mathers Heuck
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Arla Jeanne and all family:
Heartfelt condolences from Lucy and me on Bill’s passing. I always felt very privileged to have met the Murray family when they came to MC. All were so gracious and appreciative. You were all wonderful clients and more importantly great friends. He will be missed. Best wishes to all.
Doug and Lucy
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
To All Bill’s Families and Arla Jean;
I am so sorry for the loss of your Bill. He was truly a Southern Gentleman and kind soul. When seeing him he always had a smile on his face and time for a visit. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lloyd and Jan Sohl says
Arla Jeanne, Jan and I extend our sympathy. We both enjoyed your company. Bill was a fun loving and good man. We know you will cherish his memories just as we will.
Barb and Jim Nelstead says
So sorry to see this! Thoughts and prayers out to Arla Jean, Bill and the rest of the Murray/Hartman family. I remember Bill as a true gentle giant, gentleman and a credit to his profession as a rancher. Both he and Arla Jean were good friends my folks and I can coming to the house and always hosting us for dinner when I was on leave from the military. RIP Bill!
Pam Rogge says
Arla Jeanne and family, my prayers and condolences are with you at this time and in the days to come.
Karl and Irene Wust says
Dear Arla and family.
We were so sad to hear about Bill’s passing. We can not imagine how difficult the last few years have been for you trying to do everything possible to help Bill turn around. We miss Bill very much, talking to him, he was always cheerful, optimistic and generous. We enjoyed a lot of times with him, from the day on your marriage, on which I made your wedding cake to the spectacular event at Big Sky and the last time the two weeks at Palm Desert with you.Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolence to you and family from both of us, Irene and Karl.
Now Bill is not suffering anymore. May God bless him and give you strength to get through this difficult time
Nancy Love says
Bill was one of my favorite cousins on the Murray side of the family. Every year at Thanksgiving I looked forward to going to Georgetown for our annual get together with aunts, uncles and cousins. The guys would always go hunting and the girls would stay back doing girl things. LOL Bill was a character and could always make you smile. He definitely was a gentle giant, grew up on a ranch and became a great rancher like his father and brothers. Bill will definitely be missed. The Murray and Love family were the best and so many great memories growing up together. Rest in peace Bill and say hello to the rest of the family.
Monica Augustyn says
My thoughts and prayers to you, Arla and your families. Deepest condolences.
Chris says
I am so sorry about Bills passing. He was a great guy. RIP