Roger Everett Murray, who retired in 2007 after a long career in sales at Simmons Bedding Co., died suddenly June 28 on his 71st birthday. He was a resident of Sandy Springs, Ga.
At Simmons, Murray rose from sales trainee to vice president of national accounts. He joined the Atlanta-based mattress manufacturer after earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Georgia. He also was a U.S. Air Force veteran and commissioned officer, achieving the rank of second lieutenant. During his career at Simmons, Murray was known as a team builder and motivator who spearheaded the company’s annual “All-American” award program for top sales performers.
Murray was a philanthropist who served on the board of the Anti-Defamation League and as president of the National Home Furnishings Industry Chapter of the City of Hope. While president, he raised more than $8 million for the nonprofit’s cancer and diabetes treatment and research centers.
In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and fishing and the friendship of many.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years Virginia (Presh), sons Wilson and Michael, brother Randy and sister Sally Lamperti, daughter-in-law Sloane and four grandchildren.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to St Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338 or to the City of Hope, Att: Sharon Joyce, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017.
