In Loving Memory of ‘The Doctor’ Denny Murray: 1943-2021

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Dennis Carl Murray, 78, died Wednesday morning, December 15, 2021, in Olympia, Washington. Denny was born to Carl and Neta Murray June 20, 1943. He grew up in Centralia, Washington, alongside younger brother Michael Murray. Denny graduated from Centralia High School and Centralia College in 1960 and 1962, respectively. He married Pamela Woody of Centralia and had two sons with her, Shawn and Aaron Murray. Denny lived a full life in the entertainment industry. He moved to Los Angeles, California, shortly after graduating college, where he joined original “Beach Boys” member David Marks in the rock-n-roll group “David Marks and the Marksmen.” The group recorded at Western Sound Recorders in Los Angeles. Denny can be heard singing lead vocal on “Lazy Sunday Morning,” available on “David Marks & the Marksmen; The Ultimate Collection.” His life in entertainment led him to experiences including sharing a cab with Brenda Lee, dinner with Debbie Reynolds and Merrilee Rush, and a small scuffle with Ray Davies of “The Kinks.” After leaving The Marksmen, Denny pursued a career in broadcasting and went back to school at Clover Park Technical College in Tacoma, Washington. His career blossomed from 1965 at KORD-AM in Pasco, Washington; KDIG-AM, Mountain View, California; WFUN-AM Miami, Florida; WCBM-AM & WCAO-AM Baltimore, Maryland; and WBAL-TV; where he hosted the popular television game show “Bowling for Dollars” until 1974. Many Lewis County residents recognize Denny’s larger-than-life voice, heard on KITI-AM from 1983 until 1995. Denny is also recognized as the voice of the Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester, Washington, and the Demolition Derby at the Southwest Washington Fair, where he had a strong partnership with Greenwood Photo. Denny loved golf and spent much of his free time at Riverside Golf Course in Chehalis, Washington. He also enjoyed golf trips to Mazatlán, Mexico. His other passions included music, writing, and training and riding horses. He pursued his passions all through life; recently training “Sparky the Wonder Horse” at Bob’s in Morton, Washington. He was preceded in death by his father and mother in 1972 and 1974, respectively, and son Shawn in 1986. He is survived by brother Michael (Robin) Murray; son Aaron (Kadena) Murray; nieces Kelly Calkins and Katy Murray; granddaughters Carina Murray and Kaydrin Murray; and close family friends Steve Mohney and Walt Becker. Denny will be remembered by his massive number of friends for his love of golf and unstoppable sense of humor. A celebration of life is in the year.