His father was the mayor of Corsicana. His grandfather was the mayor of Corsicana. For William “Bill” Murchison, public service took a different form.
Known for his conservative political beliefs, Murchison spent over 25 years as a columnist for The Dallas Morning News’ editorial pages before retiring in 2001 and taking up journalism education. Former colleagues and friends lauded his intellectual approach to work and kind, respectful demeanor.
Will Murchison III, his son, said he wasn’t sure whether his dad ever considered a run for office, following in the family footsteps. But he knew his dad felt strongly about upholding decency, civility and respect, and tried to do that through his writing.
Murchison died Oct. 8 at the age of 83. After growing up in Corsicana, he got his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and a master’s from Stanford University. He started as a reporter at the Corsicana Daily Sun and went to the Dallas Times Herald before transitioning to writing as a columnist, eventually becoming syndicated.
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Peggy Lundy, a longtime Republican political consultant based in Dallas County, said Murchison “was a masterful wordsmith and a conservative icon, but for me, a constant friend.”
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Rena Pederson, former editorial page editor for The News, described Murchison as Dallas’ William F. Buckley. Pederson said he was exceedingly well-read on history, literature and art, but was also personable and fun.
“He had a wonderful, unique laugh — he could just throw back his head and laugh with delight,” she said. “I wish more people could have seen that side of him.”
Pederson called Murchison “a true southern gentleman,” adding he would stand when a lady entered the room and offer her a chair.
“His idea of business casual was to wear a seersucker suit in the summer instead of pinstripes,” she said.
His son recalled his unique sense of style and said Murchison would wear a coat and tie for every occasion. Will Murchison said he and his brother were raised to be warm and respectful, to cultivate a devotion to family and faith.
“[He] certainly did talk about it, but I think more than anything, he modeled it,” his son said.
Mark Davis, a conservative radio talk show host based in Dallas, said for years he interacted with Bill Murchison at a monthly conservative lunch in Dallas. He called him “a giant in the history of Texas writers and the highest embodiment of something even more important — a gentleman.”
“I was already familiar with his optimistic, faith-filled conservative writing. But to be around him, to hear his take on current events always wrapped in the clarity and graciousness he brought to every topic,” Davis said. “I feel blessed for the gift of spending time in his company.”
Murchison published several books throughout his career, including Reclaiming Morality in America, There’s More to Life Than Politics and Mortal Follies: Episcopalians and the Crisis of Mainline Christianity.
Will Murchison said his parents attended the Church of the Incarnation, an Episcopal church on McKinney Avenue, for decades. His dad was devoted to faith, to the church community and to singing hymns.
“He had surgery that cost him his hearing in one ear and, [after], couldn’t hit the notes quite as well, but he never let that stop him from singing as loudly as his heart desired,” Will Murchison said.
After retiring, Bill Murchison taught journalism classes at Baylor University, continued writing and spent time as an enthusiastic cheerleader of his grandkids. His son said that passion was particularly evident at sporting events, when Bill was “cheering them on as loudly as he would sing hymns in the pews.”
A memorial for Murchison is planned for Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Incarnation on McKinney Avenue in Dallas.