James Oliver Murray, 80, of St. George, widower of Betty Jean Horne Murray, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Oliver was born on February 11, 1944, the fifth child of Thomas Oliver and Catherine (Kate) Elizabeth Westbury Murray. He graduated from St. George High School in 1962 and received his bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State College and master’s degree from Claflin College.  He was the owner of Big Ollie’s and the St. George Theatre and Holly Hill Theatre.  He was a member of St. George Methodist Church.  He and his wife, Betty, were missionaries in the Solomon Islands.

Surviving is his daughter, Melody Patrick Pinckney; granddaughter, Jennifer Patrick Messex; great grandsons Landon Keith Messex and Owen Bryant Messex of Saint George and sister-in-law, Betty P. Murray of Holly Hill, SC special cousins Cynthia Carlson of Hilton Head Island, SC and Ann (Eddie) Nine of Columbia, SC.; and his beloved dog, Baby.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved spending summers with their Aunt Betty and Uncle Oliver at Edisto Beach and Edisto River.

 He was predeceased by siblings, Martha M. Murray, Herman Murray, Richard Murray and Haskell Murray; sons-in-law David Keith Patrick and Christopher M. Pinckney.

Memorials may be made to St. George Methodist Church, PO Box 506, St. George, SC 29477.