Billy Fred Murkeldove was born on November 23, 1943 to the parentage of Ober D. and Clara Dorothy Murkeldove (Mott) in Mexia, Texas. He was educated in Dallas Public Schools, attending Dunbar Elementary and James Madison High School where he excelled in sports, particularly football and track. He was a member of the Madison State Championship Track Team of 1962. He was voted by his teammates as Most Likely to Succeed Athletically. In his years at Madison he formed many strong and long-lasting friendships that continued until his passing. Billy also received an Associate's Degree from Mountain View College. Most everyone knew him as "Murk."

Murk had many interests outside his professional career including being a 33rd degree Mason, a semi-pro football player for the Dallas Panthers, and an owner, coach and player on the semi-pro football team The Ferris Wheels. He rode his 1956 Harley Davidson chopper with the African Bandits, and served as a community organizer and communication director for that organization in the 1970's and 80's. He is one of the founders of the annual Harambee Festival. He is also one of the founders of the first Martin Luther King Jr Day parade in Dallas. Murk always enjoyed a competitive game of dominoes with family and friends and listening to good music.

Murk accepted Christ and became a member of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church in Ferris, Texas. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 44 years Bobbie (Scott), three sons - Greg, Keith and Cedric; three grandchildren, Jazmine, Cedric and Dequinton; his mother, Dorothy Murkeldove; brothers, Edward, Bruce, Keith and Jason and a host of in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.

A wake service will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016 7-7:45 PM at Evergreen.

The homegoing celebration will commence on Saturday, October 1, 2016 11:00 AM at Ideal Family Church, 1000 Red Bird Lane.