Joseph Willmott Murrell
Jun 24, 1959Jul 05, 2018
Obituary message
MURRELL, Joseph Willmott, 59, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2018, at his home in Troy, Virginia. He was born on June 24, 1959, in Roanoke, Virginia, and grew up in Greenhills, Ohio. He was an honor graduate from Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended Auburn University and Mary Baldwin College (B.A. 1982). He received a J.D. cum laude from the University of Memphis in 1990 and, for many years, worked as a legal researcher for the National Legal Research Group in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Joe was immensely curious about the world and an avid reader, with a wealth of knowledge about Virginia, the Civil War and many other topics, from the NFL to unexplained mysteries. He will be remembered for his extraordinary intelligence, sensitivity, artistic ability and a one-of-a-kind sense of humor.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Fred Hamlin Murrell and Louise Joyce Murrell; and his niece, Donovan Grace. He is survived by his five siblings, Fred Jr., Spencer, John, Virginia and Mary; one niece, Ann; and three nephews, Joe, Tom and Charlie.
Private service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Rural Plains Foundation, P.O. Box 2754, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116, where Joe enjoyed walking with his beloved labrador retriever, Mattie.
Dear Joe, I can not bear the lose of you. You were my beloved brother. We shared so much together, and have lost so much together, our parents, Gracie, Amy, and yes, our beloved dog Mattie and most of all, our home. I promise you I will honor you to the best of my ability. You will always be thought of and loved. I love you, Genie