Dr. Harry Lee Conley, Jr.

Dr. Harry Lee Conley, Jr., age 89, of Murray, KY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at The Pinnacle of Louisville, KY.
Born on June 8, 1935, in Somerset, KY, Harry was the son of the late Harry Lee Conley, Sr. and Sara Clara (Benelli) Conley Jackson Billington. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Barbara Ann Conley of Murray.
Harry graduated from Somerset High School in 1953 before pursuing higher education at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1957. He then continued his academic journey, obtaining a Master of Science in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.
Dr. Conley retired from Murray State University in 2001, where he was a chemistry professor for over thirty years. His career began as a senior research chemist at Sprague Electric in North Adams, MA, and he also taught classes at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.
A proud Eagle Scout and longtime member of the Boy Scouts of America, Harry carried that spirit of leadership and community throughout his life. In college, he became a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity and many other college clubs and organizations. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Murray since 1970, where he joyfully sang in the choir for many years.
Throughout his life, Harry had many hobbies and interests including fishing, gardening, cooking, dancing, tinkering in the garage, and building model planes - a hobby he started at a young age. His children have many fond memories of family camping and boating trips on Kentucky Lake. Harry and Barbara enjoyed traveling and sightseeing, with Branson, MO. as one of their favorite destinations.
Survivors also include three daughters, Audrey Wilson (Monty) Hazel, KY, Brenda Stewart (Mark) Louisville, KY, and Caroline Baker (Seth) Oak Park, IL shared with former wife Jacqueline Jordan; nine grandchildren, Shellie (Chad), Conley (Carder), Kendra, Keaton, Cayleigh, Mimi, Kassidy, Audrey, and Owen; as well as four great-grandchildren, Ann, Vera, Lynn, and Charlie. Barbara’s children, Deborah Cosby, Bill Robasse, and Shawn Robasse and their families; brother-in-law, Kevin McClary, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, Clara, Jeannie, and Crista.
A funeral service celebrating Harry’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church of Murray, with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Rev. Brittany Sutherland will officiate. 
Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Murray, KY, 1601 Main Street, Murray, KY 42071.
Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurhcill.com