William Dedmond McMurray | Raleigh News & Observer

William D. McMurray (Bill), 86, of Cary died on April 11, 2014. Bill was born on December 3, 1927, in Forest City, NC to Mary and Joshua McMurray. He served as an Electronics Technician Mate in the US Navy during WWII. Due to his life-long love of flying he went on to become an F-80 photo reconnaissance pilot in Korea with the USAF. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for “heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight” during a mission with the 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.

On September 13, 1952, immediately following his graduation from Aviation Cadet School, he married Barbara Daniels, of Asheville, who predeceased him after 49 years of marriage. Bill received his BS degree in Electrical Engineering from NCSU and went on to establish Radio Communications of Cary, Inc. in 1959.

His passion was amateur radio, obtaining his first license (W4JQO) as a teenager and later obtaining an amateur extra class license (K4SG). Bill was a published author with articles on amateur radio or his flying experiences in magazines such as QST, Nuts and Volts, and the NC Military Historical Society.

He is survived by his four daughters: Barbara McMurray of Alexandria, VA; Lauren Kelley of Plano, TX; Allison McMurray, of Clayton; Robin Haynes, of Holly Springs; and twin granddaughters, Abbie and Logan Haynes.

A memorial service will be held on May 3rd at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 117 South Academy Street, Cary, NC 27511. The family will greet visitors immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.