Richard D. Murray, age 82 of Lake Tomahawk, died Sunday, Mar. 20, 2016, at Seasons of Life Hospice in Woodruff. He was born July 4, 1933, in Crandon to Clarence and Rosella (Thurber) Murray.

Richard attended Rhinelander High School where he excelled at baseball and basketball, earning consideration as a draft prospect for the Red Sox.  His professional baseball opportunity ended when he was drafted by the U.S. Army at the age of 21.  He served in Korea from 1954 until 1956 as a member of the ASA (Army Security Agency) Special Forces Unit.  Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Rhinelander and began his career with the Rhinelander Paper Company where he worked until his retirement.  In 1974, he moved to Lake Tomahawk.

He loved sports, reading, nature, and spending time on his land with his “other boys” Harold Jansen and Billy Heisler.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Lori (Michael) Chiolino of Minocqua; his son, Shawn (Sonja) Murray of Minocqua; two sisters, Judean Nixon of Raleigh, N.C. and Patricia (Robert) Ricci of Merrill; a brother, Darold (Bernice) Murray of Madison; and his former wife, Mary Anne Murray of Woodruff.  He is further survived by nine nieces including Lona and Heather whom Richard was like a father to.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Rosella; a son, Kelly Murray; and a brother-in-law, Thomas Nixon.

A memorial gathering in honor of Richard will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Apr. 16, at the Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414).  Military honors will immediately follow.  Private inurnment will take place in the Newbold Memorial Cemetery.  Condolences for the family may be directed at www.carlsonfh.com.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial will be established in Richard’s name and contributions may be directed in care of his family.