William Orson Murray, Waddington

WADDINGTON - William Orson Murray, poker player extraordinaire, country music fan, volunteer fireman, and beloved father and papa passed away at his home in Waddington, NY, on Monday, May 12, 2025. He will be remembered by many for his loyalty to family and friends, especially his devotion to his wife of 62 years, Eileen “Peanut” Murray. Bill will also be remembered for his love of card playing, cribbage games and the always open door to his home. Not only was the front door always open, but he had a special “beer fridge” on the porch, fully stocked with beer and soda for all! Just grab what you want and sit down for a chat or a game of poker.

Bill was born in DeKalb, New York to Allen R. and Francis (Mott) Murray. He attended schools in Fowler and Gouverneur, where he played all sports, before moving to Waddington in 1943. He met Eileen (Brown) at a basketball game - love at first sight - and they were married on July 17, 1945. Bill enlisted in the US Navy in 1946. He and Eileen began their family while living in Long Beach, California. He was honorably discharged and returned to Waddington.

Bill had many jobs including building houses with his friend, Fred Martin, working at the pulp docks in Waddington and finally settling at ALCOA in Massena for 37 years, retiring in 1989.

The high points in Bill‘s life, after marrying Eileen, were the births of his daughters and those of his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill is survived by his devoted daughters Candace and husband Rick Riker of Keeseville, NY, and Linda and husband Andy Henry of Waddington, NY, along with his six grandchildren, Nicki (Jack) Chanecka of Endwell, New York, Daphne (Cory) Vassar of Plattsburgh, New York, Paul Riker of San Diego, California, Kristi Cisneros of Plattsburgh, New York, Alison McCulloch and companion (Greg Beekman) of Seattle, Washington and Eric (Emily) Henry of Chicago, Illinois. Bill is also survived by his 12 great-grandchildren Andin, Lucas, Dominique (Shawna), Logan, Jacob, Max, Maggie, Liam, Dalton, Grace, Jonathan and Miko, along with his sister-in-law Jane Murray of South Carolina, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Bill was pre-deceased by his wife Eileen in 2007 and a brother Allen R Murray Junior.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the convenience of the family after burial, in the Scotch Presbyterian Cemetery in Waddington, New York.

Memorial contributions may be acknowledged with donations to the Waddington Rescue Squad; or the Waddington Volunteer Fire Department; P.O. Box 352, Waddington; New York 13694.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories, photos, and memorial trees by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com.

15 2, Papa! And yes, we’ll have a drink on you!

Help St. Lawrence County Stay Connected!

We’re glad you are viewing NorthCountryNow.com.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider subscribing to ensure you have full access to all the news and info about St. Lawrence County.

Your subscriptions make it possible for us to provide trustworthy local news researched and written by the NorthCountryNow.com news staff.

Subscriptions also allow us to promote our many community events and encourage meaningful community dialogue.

Please click here to subscribe today!