Merle Alden McMurray

With hearts heavy and spirits touched by a tender sorrow, we remember Merle Alden McMurray, born and departed on March 19, 2026, in Kingsport, Tennessee. Though Merle’s time with us was brief, the love surrounding this precious life has left an indelible mark on all who hold dear the memory of this sweet soul.

Merle came into this world in Kingsport, TN, a place where dreams begin and where their journey remained, concluding as swiftly and quietly as it began. In this fleeting moment, Merle became a cherished child to devoted Mom and Dad, Alanah Maria and Dillon McMurray, whose hearts now carry the profound weight of both grief and love. Holding onto Merle’s memory are beloved family members who stand united in sorrow and remembrance.

Among those who grieve with gentle strength are Merle’s maternal grandparents, Chris and Ola Hammonds, whose love and care have been pillars through this challenging time. Also mourning with quiet resilience are Merle’s paternal grandparents, Rex and Lisa McMurray, bound by family ties that endure beyond loss. The lineage is further honored by maternal great grandmothers Louise Hammonds and Denise Oxendine, and the treasured presence of great grandpa and great grandma Ben and Linda Collins, each holding memories close to their hearts.

The family circle also embraces Uncle Christopher Lynn Hammonds, Jr., Aunt Hannah (Ray) Harless along with their children Paisely and Wrenley Harless, and Aunt Morella Hammonds—all who share in the embrace of remembrance. Great uncles Chad Tipton and family, Aaron Tipton and family, as well as extended family Pat and Darrell Rhodes stand alongside, joined with all their church family in a community bound by love and faith.

We remember with reverence the lives of those who have passed before Merle: maternal great grandfather Ray Hammonds and paternal great grandmother Doris Tipton, great grandfather WD McMurray and wife, aunt Faith McMurray, great-great aunt Ettie Spivey whose memories live on in the hearts of all who knew them.

A graveside service honoring Merle will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Tipton’s Chapel Cemetery, 2618 Bellamy Tipton Rd, in Gate City (Manville Ridge), VA 24251 with Brother Rex McMurray and Pastor Mike Gilliam offering words of comfort. In this sacred place, loved ones will gather to say farewell and to hold close the memory of a life so tender and brief, yet overflowing with the purest love. Family and friends are welcome to gather at 1:50 pm at the cemetery for the graveside service.

In this time of immense sorrow, we lean on one another, wrapped in the warmth of shared memories and the solace of united hearts. Though Merle’s presence was brief, the love radiating from those precious moments will forever light the way for family and friends who carry this memory deep within their souls. May peace and comfort find all who mourn and may Merle Alden McMurray rest gently in the embrace of everlasting love.

Alanah and Dillon would like to say thank you from the bottom of their hearts to Shalyn Saez for crocheting Merle's hat; to Jackie Campbell for crocheting Merle's blanket; to his grandmother Lisa for the blanket; to his grandmother Ola for the lamb: to the staff of Indian Path for the keepsakes as well as to all their family, church family and friends for all the love and support shown to them during this time.

Until we meet again Merle Alden McMurray, Love Mom and Dad.