Graveside services for Mr. Jeff Morris “Billy” Murray Jr. were conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday Morning, Feb. 9, 2023, at the Lowland Cemetery on Gates Road.  Bro. David Grayson officiated.  Mr. Murray entered into the eternal rest of his Lord Sunday morning, Feb. 5, 2023, at the Veterans Home in Collins.

The family received friends Thursday morning from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.  A funeral procession departed the funeral home at 10:30 a.m.

Serving as Pallbearers were Dylan Sewell, Barry Crain, Bruce Crain, Marlon Laird, Tony Broome and Chris Wheat.

Honorary Pallbearers included Jackie Laird, Dickey King and Dallas Wheat.

Mr. Murray, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and retired LP gas inspector for the State of Mississippi, was born in Bassfield, on June 15, 1934. He is a 1951 graduate of Bassfield High School.  In addition to enjoying his family, Mr. Murray relished spending time outdoors. He yearned to teach his cousins, nephews, grandchildren, and friends the art of hunting, fishing, and playing baseball, which he perfected while growing up near Bassfield in the Lowland community. But mostly, Mr. Murray will be remembered for his friendly disposition, patience, and unselfishness that garnered admiration from friends and coworkers across the State of Mississippi during his 88 years on this earth.

Mr. Murray is preceded in death by his parents, Jeff Morris and Emma Rue Laird Murray of Bassfield, and his son Jeffrey Alan Murray.

He is survived by his sister, Jeanette Murray Crain of Columbia, daughters Melissa Murray of Picayune and Stephanie Murray and Beverly Wheat of Petal. Mr. Murray was also blessed with grandchildren Dylan Sewell, Megan Murray, Gregory Rose, and Dallas and Brooke Wheat.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Mr. Murray and his son, Alan, or the Lowland Cemetery Preservation Fund at Regions Bank in Bassfield.

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com.

Paul Lawrence Gray Jr.

Graveside services were held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at Rock Hill Church of Christ Holiness, USA for Mr. Paul Lawrence Gray Jr., 40, who died Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Rev. Richard Drummond officiated with Johnson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Paul Gray Jr. was born in Wuezburg, Germany to Mr. Paul Gray Sr. and Mrs. Cynthia Davis Gray.  Being a child of military parents, Mr. Gray had the privilege to attend schools in many different locations within the United States, and countries around the world. He attended school in New Jersey, and Texas and graduated from Pemberton High School in Pemberton, New Jersey in 2004.

He enjoyed many sports but was known for his passion in basketball where he excelled as a point guard.

He is survived by his mother, Cynthia Taylor of Harker Heights, Texas, father, Paul L. Gray, Sr. of Byram, sisters, Geneva (Walter) Crosby of Owens Mills, Virginia; brother, Michael D. (Rachel) McCoy of Merced, California; step-sister, Tanesha L. Walker of Byram and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.