William E. Murdock

William E. Murdock, 91 of Indian River, passed away at home on Sunday, September 4, 2016.

Born in Flint on December 28, 1924, Bill was the son of Claude and Edna (Beckwith) Murdock.  After spending his earliest years in Pompeii, MI, Bill returned with his family to Flint.

Bill left high school early to join the United States Army during World War II.  He was proud of his military service.  He returned to Flint upon being discharged on January 3, 1946 and married the love of his life, Margaret L. Franklin, just 16 days later, on January 19, 1946.

It was in Flint that Bill and Margaret raised three daughters and built their life.  A plasterer by trade, Bill was self employed for several years.  He worked in maintenance for many years for Flint Public Schools.  He retired in 1984 and moved with his wife to Indian River where they purchased property and built their retirement home.  They had been vacationing in Indian River since 1950.

Bill was active in Boy Scouts and had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a life member of Morning Star Lodge #556 F&AM.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a woodworker and furniture builder.  Bill also enjoyed dancing and he was an avid bowler.  He will be remembered by his family as a strong family man and a true gentleman.

Bill was preceded by his wife, Margaret in 2001 and by a daughter, Juanita Kenny in 2011.  Surviving are two daughters, Dawn (Paul) Overmyer of Fenton and Gail (Craig) Stanke of Swartz Creek; a son-in-law, Dr. Robert Kenny of Alpena; grandchildren, Douglas (Justine), Brian (Linda), Chad (Christi), Ryan (Carrie), Kristy (Justin), and Craig (Brenda); and 12 great grandchildren.  He was also preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

A memorial service with the Rev. John Naile officiating will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Masonic funeral rites will be provided by 45th Parallel Lodge 581 F&AM and military honors will be provided by VFW Post #1518.  The family will visit with friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Hospice of Little Traverse Bay.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com