Mr. Johnny Leon Murray

On December 27 2022, Johnny Leon Murray, age 58, surrounded by the love of family and friends transitioned from this earthly life to his heavenly home.

Johnny was born in Whiteville, North Carolina to Junetta Murray and Thomas Moore on February 6, 1964.  He graduated from Whiteville High School and later entered the United States Navy where he served faithfully for 10 years.  He enjoyed spending time in Lakeland, Florida with his Mom, Mrs Junetta Murray Smith and her husband, Beneto “Smitty” Smith.  Smitty loved and cherished Johnny as his very own.

In 1999, Johnny moved to Greensboro, NC when he accepted a position with Guy M Turner, Inc as a Crane Operator.  He worked faithfully with this company for 23 years and loved his job.  His job gave him the opportunity to travel to many states throughout the Southeastern, United States.

Johnny had a love for all types of music from his early childhood days.  He would entertain others by playing his music at parties, family functions and on the internet.  It was his love of music that helped him to get through many difficult days.  Not only did he enjoy music, but he also loved fishing and traveling.  Fishing was one of his most relaxing hobbies and took up much of his time. 

During his adult life, Johnny began to attend Friendship Community Church and cultivated his relationship with the Lord.  He not only experienced the love and forgiveness of Christ; but he began to show this same love to all of mankind.

Life led Johnny to meet, fall in love with, and eventually marry the love of his life, LaVerne Wilson Murray.  The couple experienced 10 wonderful years of happiness, travel, ups, downs and health challenges.  LaVerne honored her marriage vows until “death do us part.”

He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory, his loving wife, LaVerne Wilson Murray, and three beautiful children, Shaun Murray, Camelia Murray, and Brittany Murray, and a precious granddaughter: Talayah Howze of Greensboro, NC.  Parents, Beneto and Junetta Smith of Lakeland, Fl two brothers, Anthony Smith and Michael Smith of Lakeland, Fl two sisters Sharon Smith of Knoxville, TN and Mabelene “Cookie” Moody of Whiteville NC. God parents:  Larry & Doris Russell of New River, AZ, a God Brother Tony (Tracey) Moore of Greensboro, NC and one God Child, Jekilah Suenu and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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