WEST FORK — Elbert Raymond McMurray Jr.,

81, of West Fork, Ark., passed away on January 7, 2024. He was born on February 2, 1942, in Chouteau, Okla., to Elbert Raymond McMurray Sr., and Zelma Agnes McMurray (Dennis).

He was preceded in death by his father and namesake, Elbert R. McMurray, Sr.; his mother, Zelma McMurray; and his brother, Jerry McMurray.

Elbert is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Carolyn McMurray, of the home; his daughter, Mary Day of Bella Vista, Ark.; his brother, Larry McMurray of West Fork, Ark.; and his sister, Shirley Pappas of Venice, Fla. He is also survived by five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Elbert grew up in Huntsville in Madison County and was often creating mischief with his two brothers. He would regularly recount those stories with a good laugh. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1960 and attended the University of Arkansas. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.

In his free time, Elbert enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing multiple musical instruments such as the trumpet and guitar; most recently the dulcimer, gardening and woodworking. He had a passion for building beautiful pieces of furniture and working outdoors. He found joy in teaching children about Jesus at church. Elbert retired in 2002 after a 30-year career as a mail carrier, serving as a rural carrier in Lowell and concluding his career at the Springdale Post Office.

Funeral will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Moore’s Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Prior to the funeral, visitation will take place at 1 p.m. on January 11. A graveside ceremony will immediately follow the funeral service at Baptist Ford.