Willis James Murdock Jr.

CHATTANOOGA, TENN.—Bill Murdock was a gentle man, sensitive and caring. He was lauded by his colleagues and staff for his empathy and effective leadership. He spent his entire business career that spanned more than three decades with one company: WestPoint Pepperell. He retired more than 20 years ago and died Jan. 12 at the age of 80.

He was born Willis James Murdock Jr. on July 11, 1929, in Joliet, Ill. He attended Marquette University and received a degree in Business Marketing. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict and achieved the rank of Captain.

Following his discharge from military service, he joined WestPoint Pepperell and enjoyed a long and successful career with the company. Posting an outstanding record, Murdock eventually became senior vice president of sales and marketing, the position he held when he retired in 1987.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia, of 51 years; daughters Susan Egan and her husband, Bill, and Elizabeth Ann Murdock; sons Willis James III and his wife, Tar, and Michael George and his wife, Susannah; seven grandchildren, and a sister, Ann Kane, and her husband, Jack. He was predeceased by sisters Marion Abbott and Jane Holland.