Obituary of Richard Wallace ‘Wally’ Murray
Richard Wallace ‘Wally’ Murray.
January 6, 1939, to April 2, 2026
– It is with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Richard W. “Wally” Murray, a man of boundless energy and intelligence. Wally was born on January 6, 1939 and passed on April 2, 2026 in Conroe TX. During his life of 87 years, he touched many people with wisdom, humor, class and love.
Born and raised in Columbia, MO he lived in California for the majority of his life. Stationed in Fort Ord for his service in the Army, and graduating from San Fernando Valley State College. His early careers included memorable stints at Vicente Foods and Santa Ynez Inn. His professional career included N.C.R. and many years traveling internationally for Scantron Corporation, based in Lake Forest, CA.
His fondness for cooking and entertaining lead him to his final career in life as the founder of Bon Niche Cellars. A boutique vineyard and small bonded winery in the Paso Robles AVA of California. If he wasn’t on a golf course, or whipping up a gourmet meal, he could be spotted mowing his vineyards and sampling wine with devoted wine club members.
He is survived by his loving wife Joyce (Campbell MacKay) Murray. Two sons Scott Murray of Mountain View, CA and Kevin Murray of Morgan Hill, CA. His daughter-in-law, Gloria (Kevin) Murray, three granddaughters, Megan, Amanda and Alexandra Murray, and their doting grandmother Sonia Murray-Johnson of Palm Springs, CA.
In addition, he is survived by his half-sister Alice (Joe) Callison of The Woodlands, TX, and half-brothers Charles (Jean) Rouse of Montgomery, TX, and Will (Maria) Rouse of Anchorage, AK.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest Nelson Murray and Mary Elizabeth Dey, his grand-parents Nelson Clyde and Lina May Murray of Columbia, MO, and his brothers Nelson Whittfield (Sandra) Murray of Sioux Falls, SD. Barry (Sandra) Murray of Rock Hill, SC, Cheryl (James) Bolt of Pilot, VA, and Larry (Bonnie) Rouse,
A Celebration of Life using video conferencing will be held to allow the many friends and family members to join and share stories of their time with Wally without the need to travel. The date for the virtual celebration is currently planned for the US Memorial Day weekend with further details to come. An in-person memorial service will also be held in Montgomery, Texas at a later date.
The Paso Robles Daily News accepts and publishes local obituaries and death notices free of charge from individuals and local funeral homes. See information and tips here on writing an obituary. Please submit the obituary a few days before services, if possible. To submit an obituary, please email it to skye@accesspublishing.com with “obituary” in the subject line. Please email a photo along with the obituary.
