The Chronicle's funeral notices this week feature tributes to former professional football player and coach Alan Murray, who passed away on 20 June 2026 at age 77 after a courageous battle with illness. Murray, born and raised in Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, began his professional playing career in 1969 with Middlesbrough Football Club and also played for Wolves, York City, Brentford, Doncaster Rovers, and Frickley Athletic during the 1970s. He later managed Hartlepool United alongside Eddie Kyle, guiding the club to an iconic league promotion, and also managed Darlington FC. Murray then served as assistant manager to Graeme Souness at Southampton, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United, his boyhood club. His funeral service and cremation will take place on Monday, 13 July at 13:00 in the Chapel of St. Bede, Teesside Crematorium. The family requests donations to Walker Central Football Club in lieu of flowers.
Other Notable Death Notices
Among the other notices is Mary Alexander (Austin), formerly of Burnopfield, who passed away peacefully at Addison Court Care Home on 24 June at age 100. She was the dearly loved wife of the late Billy and a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her funeral service will be held at Mountsett Crematorium on Tuesday, 14 July at 10:15am. Family flowers only, with donations to Addison Court Residents Fund.
Thomas (Tommy) Bell, of West Road, died peacefully at home on 23 June at age 97. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean and a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. Cremation will take place at West Road Crematorium on Thursday, 16 July at 11:45am. Donations may be made to Dementia UK.
Further Tributes
Philip Cherry, of Callerton, died suddenly but peacefully at home on 30 June at age 89. He was a dearly beloved husband to Nancy and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather to 35 grandchildren. The funeral service will be at West Road Crematorium on Wednesday, 15 July at 11:00am. Donations to the British Heart Foundation are welcome.
Joan Heron (nee Pearson), of Ryton, formerly Gateshead, passed away peacefully on 28 June at age 88. She was the loving wife of the late George and devoted mother to Michael, Stephen, and Geoff. A service will be held at Saltwell Crematorium on Tuesday, 14 July at 10:30am. Donations may be given to Kidney Research at the Freeman Hospital.
Thelma Wetherell (formerly Fellows, nee Riches), of Dudley, passed away peacefully on 18 June at age 89. She was the beloved wife of Tom and loving mother of Jeff and Steven. The funeral service will be at Whitley Bay Crematorium on Tuesday, 14 July at 12:00. Donations to the British Heart Foundation are welcome.
In Memoriams and Birthday Memoriams
The notices also include in memoriams for Maureen Brown, Raymond Callender, Allan Coates, Margaret Coleman, Betty Drinkeld, Derek Graham, Thomas Tait Hall, Alan & Pat Hallimond, Ann O'Brien, June Page, and Keith Anderson Ward. Birthday memoriams include Keith Jones. The Chronicle reminds readers that they can add tributes or publish notices at funeral-notices.co.uk or by calling 01482 908084.
