Reprinted from the Obituary Page of the DAILY OKLAHOMAN, Monday, July 14, 2008

Bobby Ray Murcer

1946-2008

On Saturday, July 12, 2008, our courageous Bobby, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and beloved friend completed the final game of his life and headed for home to be with his Lord. 

Bobby Ray Murcer, born May 20, 1946 to Maybelle and Robert Murcer, grew up in Oklahoma City.  At an early age, Bobby displayed his love of sports and the thrill of competition.  From Little League to Big League stardom, Bobby lived out his childhood dreams to become a baseball player for the New York Yankees, teaming with his heroes, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra.

Throughout his wonderful life and career, Bobby was never changed by his celebrity status.  At home, at church, on the ball field or in the broadcast booth, Bobby was always "Bobby".  He was warm, witty, engaging, compassionate, smart, and genuinely loving to all around him.

This talented young man from Oklahoma succeeded in life and in sports without changing the strong inner qualities of his strong Christian character and integrity.  During his 19-month battle, Bobby maintained his honor, dignity, and great loving spirit.

He believed in and honored God...upholding his enduring faith as a beacon for others to witness.

Bobby not only lived out his baseball dreams, he also lived out his childhood dream of love when he married Kay Rhodes on October 14, 1966.  Bobby always affectionately referred to Kay as his "Angel", the one great love of his life.

Bobby is survived by his wife Kay, daughter Tori Witherspoon and husband David and their children Sophie and Knox Witherspoon of Dallas, Texas; son Todd Murcer and his wife Lynne and their children Jack, Holden, and Ava Ray Murcer of Dallas, Texas; brother Randy and wife Dana Murcer of Moore, Oklahoma; and a host of loving family and friends. 

Bobby's grandchildren were his pride and joy and they affectionately call him "Bobby Pops". 

Bobby was preceded in death by his father Robert Murcer, his mother Maybelle Murcer, and his brother DeWayne Murcer.

In every endeavor, Bobby gave it his all and excelled with great joy and enthusiasm.  His star will continue to shine brightly in our memory...forever loved by all his family friends and fans.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the DeWayne Murcer Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 30275, Edmond, OK 73003.

(Bobby and Kay attended Southeast High School in Oklahoma City together and were high school sweethearts.)

Comments:

comment by marta on July 18, 2008 4:59 PM ()

Yes, he did!

reply by redimpala on July 19, 2008 12:29 PM ()

People such as Bobby Mercer were rare, as a ball player and as a human being..he will be missed

comment by redwolftimes on July 17, 2008 1:31 PM ()

Indeed he will, but what a legacy he left for his family--as a man.

reply by redimpala on July 17, 2008 7:39 PM ()

He was an amazing person wasn't he? You know God got a flower in his boquet when he went on to be with Him!

comment by texastar on July 15, 2008 11:55 PM ()

Yes indeed!!

reply by texastar on July 16, 2008 1:25 PM ()

Yes, he truly was--a man who acquired fame, wealth, and stature among his peers, but who remained as a Christian should--humble, sincere and grateful all his life. I have no doubt he is rejoicing with his Savior this very moment. What an inspiration to his children, grandchildren and friends to leave this life with that legacy.

reply by redimpala on July 16, 2008 12:13 PM ()