William Cross Murdock

William Cross Murdock, age 74, passed away on May 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 20, 1950, in Ogden, Utah, and lived a life full of creativity, innovation, and kindness.

Bill graduated from Ogden High School in 1968, where he was recognized as Best Male Vocalist in the statewide KCPX Radio Superteen Contest. He formed the band The Raven with Lynn Alvord, Bill Wagstaff and Jhan Hansen, recording two 45’s in California under the production of Jim Messina. Music remained a central part of his life, and his recent albums Murdock and Murdock II: Dessert highlight his enduring talent.

Following high school, Bill served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest British Mission in England. He later graduated from Weber State College with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in History Pre-Law and minoring in Music. While there, he was actively involved in the Latter-Day Saint Student Association and was a member of the Delta Phi Kappa fraternity. He directed the annual LDSSA talent show in 1972.

Bill began his career as a seminary teacher for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Viewmont High School. He later operated an appliance repair business. Over the years, he also worked in various roles that reflected his wide-ranging interests including as an engineer on a breast cancer detection project, a maintenance technician at the Ogden City Mall (famously seen riding his scooter on the roof with his dog Chester), at Hostess Bakery, and as a machine technician at Bell Janitorial. It was there he discovered a love for country music and began performing as “Wild Bill and the Invisible Band,” entertaining at fairs, private events, and community gatherings.

In addition to his musical talents, Bill also had a passion for acting. He performed in numerous local theater productions, where he played several roles and developed many meaningful friendships within the Ogden performing arts community.

Bill was a gifted craftsman and inventor. He built a one-man helicopter, dubbed Black Eagle, and later constructed a hovercraft - both filled with as many gadgets as he could dream up. He also became an accomplished luthier, restoring and customizing over 50 guitars, some of which proudly bore the name “Murdock.”

Music was the thread that ran through his life. He composed over 100 original songs and arranged music for various performances, including events for Joy School programs and even a program for President Gordon B. Hinckley. 

Bill had a special love for Christmas. He created cherished traditions like caroling with his children to surprise neighbors and partygoers—a tradition that grew into a beloved part of the community. He was also an avid fan of outdoor concerts at Snowbasin and was especially fond of the unforgettable “banana song.”

Above all, Bill loved dogs. His Aussie shepherds, Izzy and Rock, brought great joy and companionship, and he never missed a dog movie in theaters.

On June 18, 2021, he married his loving companion, Mary Ann Bates. Though they were only married a few years, they shared nearly two decades filled with happiness and joy together. Mary Ann was both a loving wife, a devoted companion, and a selfless caregiver.

In later years, as his health declined, Bill became deeply appreciative of the smallest acts of kindness. He expressed genuine love and warmth to all those around him.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary Ann; his sister Julie (Richard) Bell; sister Dixie (Jeff) Hepworth; daughters Annie Murdock, Megan Murdock Halversen, Katie Murdock, Kizzi Murdock; son Christian Murdock; and other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Dean Murdock; mother, Charlene Cross Murdock Bruce; brother, Stephen Richard Murdock; son, Matthew Murdock; and daughter, Melissa Murdock Terry.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist Mortuary in Bountiful, 727 N 400 E. Friends may visit with family from 6:00-8:00 on the evening of Wednesday, May 28 at Lindquist Mortuary in Ogden, 3408 Washington Blvd. Funeral attendees may also visit with the family from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at Lindquist Mortuary in Bountiful, prior to funeral services.

Services entrusted to Lindquist Mortuary. Interment at Memorial Lakeview Cemetery.