James "Wilson" Murray

James "Wilson" Murray, 87 of Lenoir, NC died Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at Valdese Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born in Burke County, NC on April 12, 1923 and was the son of the late Cannie Murray and Jessie Small Murray Whisnant. Wilson was a member of the First Baptist Church of Whitnel where he volunteered with the food ministry. He also served in the US Coast Guard during WWII.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mabel Catherine Soots Murray; second wife, Dorothy Greene Murray; brothers, Charles W. Murray and Harlin Murray, Sr.; and half-sister, Melodean "Jean" Spivey.Wilson is survived by a daughter, Linda Nelson and her husband, Wayne of Hudson, NC; grandchildren, Amanda Brasier and her husband, John, and Chase Nelson and his wife, Alicia; great-grandchildren, Jennings Brasier, Sheridan Brasier, Rush Brasier, and Bryce Nelson; sister, Margaret Murray McCurdy of Thomasville, NC; half-sister, Teenie Whisnant Ware of Greensboro; and four step-sisters.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 4, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Whitnel with the Rev. Stuart White, Rev. Billy Joe Moore and Mr. Mike Moore officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with military rites by the National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church on Friday. At other times the family will be at the residence of Linda Nelson in Hudson. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with arrangements.