Bishop James Murchison

Bishop Willie James Murchison 86 passed away on December 5, 2009 at Toledo Hospital. He was born in Ellabell, Georgia to the late Rev. Webster Langston Murchison and Willie Mae Murchison. Bishop Murchison relocated to Toledo, Ohio in 1948. He was a true entrepreneur being owner and operator of W.J. Murchison Construction Company where he built many new homes (including his 1st home on Fredonia St. and his current residence on Norwood Ave.) and renovated several churches. He was also the owner and operator of Goose Hill Dry Cleaners, Murchison Carry out Restaurant, W. J. Murchison Beauty Salon and founder of W. J. Murchison Community Center Day Care and Head Start. Bishop W.J. Murchison was ordained as a Minister in 1965 at Greater St. Mary’s Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Phillips and Rev. Israel Walker. Inspirational Baptist was his first church, in 1967 he then went on to organize St. James Baptist Church where he served as pastor until his passing. He was a member of Family Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Charles McBee. Bishop W.J. Murchison was very active; he loved golfing, hunting, riding bikes and horseback riding. He was preceded in death by parents, 1st wife, and sister, Minnie Lee Hall, Brothers George Murchison and Robert Hall. He leaves to cherish his memory devoted wife Ella “Dorothy” Murchison, children, Delores Cook of Detroit, MI, Sheronda Murchison- Allen of Huntsville, AL, son, Willie James Murchison Jr., Linda Powell and Karen Moore of Detroit, MI, 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, sister, Frances Murchison of Savannah, GA, brothers, Edward and Rev. Henry Lee Murchison both of Ellabell, GA, god daughter, Theresa Franklin, one aunt of Pembrooke, GA, his St. James Baptist Church family, and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Thursday 3-5p.m. (Today) followed by wake service from 5-7p.m. at St. James Baptist Church 1520 Hoag Street. Funeral service 11a.m. Friday at Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Dr. John E. Roberts Pastor, Rev. Charles Mc Bee Family Baptist Church Eulogist. Interment Historic Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Dale-Riggs Funeral Home. www.dalefh.com