James Oliver Murray August 17, 1952-May 22, 2020

James Oliver Murray AKA “Poonie” passed away after a valiant battle with cancer at the age of 67. He was born to the late Helen J. Murray and Robert Reynolds in Fitzhugh. He was the eldest of eight children born to Helen. He received his education from Fitzhugh School and graduated from Carver High School, Class of 1970, in Augusta. He relocated to Los Angeles, California shortly after graduation. He was accepted into the McDonald’s management program and became a store manager. After several years with the McDonald’s Corporation, he accepted a job with Worthington Dodge and Ford dealership as a certified mechanic. He married Althea Jackson on May 26, 1979. He later began working with the Del Amo Dodge dealership. As a mechanic, he was often seen working on all sorts of cars in the driveway. He was known for his wit and quick jokes that made everyone laugh. Poonie attended Praises of Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Los Angeles, CA) with his family. He returned to Augusta in 2002, where he was employed by Taggart & Taggart Seed Inc. He was a member and served as an usher at New Holly Grove Community Church in Augusta.

He is survived by two daughters, Tiwianna Thomas and Shawntaé Murray, both of Los Angeles; three sons, Michael (Charmel) Murray, of Phoenix, Antwon Thomas, of Denver, and James (Deirdre) Murray, Jr., of New Orleans; nine grandchildren, Davieon, Deiontre, Jala, Logan, McKayla, Landon, MyKel, Sofia, and Demi; and great-grandchild, Jamari; two sisters, Joyce Green, of Augusta, and Lora (Berlin) Marshall, of Sugarland, TX; five brothers, Kenneth Brown and Edward (Tamika) Winston, all of Augusta, Darrell (Earnestine) Winston, of West Helena, Quinton (Lisa) Winston, of Waldorf, MD, and Gregory (Sandra) Winston, of Maumelle. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, relatives, and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 12 p.m. at New Quiet Cemetery, Highway 33 North, in Augusta. McNeal Coleman Funeral Home of Brinkley was in charge of arrangements.