Leonard Charles Murdock, Sr.

Leonard Charles Murdock, Sr., of South Boston passed away on Dec 27, 2022, on his way to his Heavenly life. He was born in Sharon, PA in 1937, the son of the late Anthony Grande and Thelma Grande. He was 85 years old at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delores “Dolly” Murdock, of the home as well as three children: Lisa Murdock Talley (Cecil) of Greenwood, SC, Kelly Murdock Spencer (Bill) of Clifton, VA, and “Lenny” C. Murdock, Jr. (Diane) of Morgantown, WV. In addition, he had nine grandchildren who survive: Ashton Richardson of Rock Hill, SC, Paige Spencer, Haley Spencer, Reid Spencer, Garrett Spencer & Hayden Spencer, all of Clifton, VA, Matt Murdock of Fort Meade, MD, Mallori Murdock of Mauldin, SC, and Dr. Molly Murdock of Atlanta, GA. He was further blessed with three great grandchildren: Harper Reese Johnson, Channing Johnson, and Kaelyn Shepard as well as his best friend of 60 years, Don Tribley.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one brother and three sisters.

Leonard had a short stint in the US Navy before embarking on a manufacturing career with Westinghouse in Sharon, PA. In 1968, he was one of a key group of managers selected to relocate to South Boston and start up what would become one of its largest small transformer plants. He was a fixture in the South Boston Plant as a Unit Manager for over 30 years, even as it transitioned to ABB.   Lenny also played on the bowling and golf league with his fellow colleagues.  After an almost 40-year career, he retired in 1999 to enjoy his passions of flower gardening, watching old westerns with Dolly by his side each day, enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and especially his keen interest in following the stock market. Those who knew “Big Lenny” realized that behind that incredibly quiet and pensive demeanor was a caring and trusting soul who would – and did – help many people throughout his life, always the giver, not the taker.

A funeral service will be held Monday, January 2, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Powell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Thad Decker officiating. Burial to follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery with Military Rites.

The family will receive friends Sunday, from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. at Powell Funeral Home.

For memorials, please consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriner’s Hospital, https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en, or Sentara Halifax Regional Hospice, 2204 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.