Big Pool

William E. Murray, known by family and friends as Bill, was more than willing to sign autographs when people realized he shared the same name as celebrity Bill Murray. He was known for his wit and sense of humor, for starting his day singing and always being in a good mood, and for having a story for everything. “He was funnier than Bill,” said younger brother James “Jim” Murray. Bill's only child, Tammy Lewis of Sylvania, Ohio, said after her father's death, people were posting “Rest in Peace Bill Murray,” prompting confusion since some thought it was for the actor Bill Murray.

Birthdays Today - Sharon Glenn, Sharpsburg, turns 64; Carol Schlotterbeck, Big Pool, turns 62. Dec. 1 - Dennis Myers, Cearfoss, turns 65; James Grandstaff, Hagterstown, turns 77; Anna Jamison, West Main Street, Sharpsburg, turns 88; David D. Clever Sr., Big Pool, turns 32; Lonnie Warrenfeltz, Funkstown, turns 58.   Anniversary Dec. 1 - Charles and Sue Brennan, Brennan Drive, Clear Spring, are...

Carol Joyce Michael Harris, 81, of Charlottesville, Va., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012.  The third of seven children, she was born in Big Pool, Md., on Dec. 7, 1930, the daughter of the late Boyd John and Nellie Marie Michael.  She graduated in 1952 from Maryland State Teachers College in Towson, Md. Carol married Jerome Robert Harris on Sept. 6, 1952. In addition to her husband of 60 years, she is survived by their children, Robert Sean Harris, and Donna Harris Mustanski and her husband, Stephen; and grandchildren, John Ryan Mustanski and Anna Christine Mustanski.

Joyce Elaine Shives Carson, 80, of Pecktonville Road, Big Pool, Md., went to be with her Lord Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown, Md. Born Oct. 17, 1932, in Pecktonville, Md., she was the daughter of the late Bruce Elwood Shives and Edna Louise Miller Shives. She was a lifetime attendant of Parkhead United Methodist Church of Big Pool and was a homemaker. Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Robert Theodore Carson of Big Pool; a daughter, Penelope "Penny" Horst and husband, Robert, of Clear Spring; a brother, Adrian E. Shives of Lake Charles, La.; three grandchildren, Melanie Horst Geer and husband, Bob, of Big Pool, Jill Horst Carbaugh and husband, Brian, of Chambersburg, Pa., and Chad Horst and wife, Jen, of Hagerstown; three great-grandchildren, Jeb Geer, Ashton Carbaugh and Piper Geer, who fondly referred to her as "GiGi".

Joan Arlene Shank, 74, of 1033 Beachwood Drive, Hagerstown, Md., passed away Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown. Born in Hagerstown on May 1, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Robert Martin Smith and Lillian Romane Charles Smith. She was a homemaker and a graduate of the Hagerstown High School Class of 1956. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Daniel B. Shank Jr. of Hagerstown; a son, Daniel B. Shank Jr. and wife, Ellen, of Hagerstown; one sister, Joyce Smith of Boonsboro; four grandchildren, Matthew, Joshua, Julia and Rebekah Shank; and one nephew.

Michael Lynn Martin, beloved son, brother and uncle, age 48, of Big Pool, Md., died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at his home. Born July 12, 1964, in Hagerstown, Md., he was the son of Benny and Edie Martin of Big Pool. He was employed with Richard F. Kline, Inc., Frederick, Md. Besides his parents, he is survived by one sister, Tamela Riggleman and husband, Larry Riggleman, of Clear Spring, Md.; one niece, Sherry Ballard and husband, Ryan Ballard; nephews, Larry Riggleman Jr. and wife, Cassie Riggleman, and Andrew Riggleman and Allison Keeney; great-nephews, Parker Riggleman and Ryan Ballard Jr.; aunts, Edna Hart and her family, Hazel Fritz and her spouse, Gale Fritz, and their family, Lula Sharer and her spouse, Kenny Sharer, and their family; cousin, Esther Henesy and her son, Tommy Henesy, and Tom Weaver and Carol Dunn.

Robert Kenneth Reed, 78, of Clear Spring, passed away Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 15, 1934, in Indian Springs, Md., he was the son of the late Samuel Reed and Rebecca McCormick Reed. He was a lifelong farmer and in previous years was employed with C. William Hetzer Inc. for more than 46 years. He was a member of the Maryland Farm Bureau. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fay Mills Reed of Clear Spring; two daughters, Penny Jackson and husband, Larry, and Peggy McMahon and companion, Michael Burgan, all of Clear Spring; one son, Jason Reed and companion, Rebecca Hargrove, of Clear Spring; and three grandchildren, Shawnee McMahon, Matt Jackson and Zach Jackson.

Dorothy Ellen Mills, 72, of Big Pool Road, Big Pool, Md., passed away Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 at Meritus Medical Center.   Born May 25, 1940, in Indian Springs, Md., she was the daughter of the late Russell Paul Mills and Virgie Reed Mills. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Theodore Maxwell Mills, in 2009. Dorothy was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her extended family members and all her friends. She especially adored her precious grandsons, Tyler Mills and Zachary Smith.

Ada Irene Jessee, 81, passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at her home at The Village of Robinwood Assisted Living at 19800 Tranquility Circle, Hagerstown, Md., where she resided the last three years. Born Oct. 11, 1931, in Frederick, Md., she was the daughter of the late Lester H.  Rippeon and Annie M. E. Crum Rippeon. Ada was a devoted wife and a loving mother for her six children all her life. She loved her home in the Frederick countryside and kept it looking beautiful. Bob and Ada relocated to Big Pool, Md., where they spent many peaceful years surrounded by family.

Bobby E. Taylor, 65, of Big Pool, died Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, at his home. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Grove Funeral Home, Hancock, where a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. that day.