James Murray

James Roscoe Murray, 94 of Kings Mountain, formerly of Bostic, North Carolina died Saturday, September 16, 2023, at his home.    Born on July 12, 1929, in Rutherford County, he is a son of the late H. Pink Murray and Foye Lane Murray.   

James was graduate of Sunshine High School and joined the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War in Germany.  He attended Isothermal Community College and worked as a mechanic for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Over the years he was able to mentor young mechanics teaching them the trade.    James enjoyed farming and farm life.  His love for animals was evident as he cared for his horses, cattle and especially his dogs.     

He was a former member and deacon at Sandy Level Baptist Church and later joined Wilson Baptist Church where he currently was a member.  His family was the most important part of his life, and he was devoted to his daughter, son-in-law and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which he adored. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Nettie Sue Freeman Murray; brothers Billie Murray and Zack Murray; sisters Gladys Dobbins and Nellie Moore and a brother who died during infancy.

Surviving are his daughter Jeanette Cheshire and husband Lyn of Kings Mountain, North Carolina; grandchildren Jena Leigh Kuronya (Luis); James Thomas Marion Gladden and Joseph Anthony Gladden, his sisters, Georgia Morris of Bostic, and Frances Benson of Garfield, MN, His step grand-children Christopher Cheshire (Dana), John Ryan Cheshire (Heather) and Caroline Gronegger (Steffen)  Great-grandchildren Gavin, Max & Lucy Kuronya and four step-great grandchildren. There are also several nieces and nephews.  

The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at Wilson Baptist Church with Dr. Rob Patrick officiating.  Interment will follow at Sandy Level Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.  The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock on Tuesday at Padgett and King.

The Padgett and King Mortuary and Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

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