THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 19, 1994 TAG: 9410180103
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Two weeks before the recent Isle of Wight County Fair began, Gordon ``Stan'' Murrell was handed the job of entertainment chairman.
And although most of the entertainment had been scheduled at that point, nothing had been confirmed, Murrell said.
``It was kinda a rush job,'' Murrell said, ``but it turned out well. We had 12 bands and we also had children's entertainment.''
Murrell, 29, has also co-chaired the entertainment committee for the Smithfield Ham and Gourmet Festival.
``A lot of times you go through an agency when you're trying to line up entertainment,'' he said. ``But I also know a lot of local entertainment.''
Murrell said he is also getting experience booking entertainment for the Windsor Jaycees. But the fair was by far the most challenging, he said.
``Time was just so short,'' he said. ``But there's a good chance that I'll be doing it again next year. Who knows, maybe someday I'll be doing it for a living.''
Name: Gordon Stancil Murrell Jr.
What brought you to Isle of Wight? I moved here from Newport News in 1978.
Hometown: Smithfield.
Birthdate: Oct. 30, 1964.
Nickname: Stan.
Occupation: Sheet metal mechanic for Newport News Shipbuilding.
Marital Status: Single.
Children: None.
Favorite movie: ``Tombstone.''
Favorite magazine: Shooting Times
A book you wish everyone would read, why? The Bible. I'm not one to preach, but with all the evil in the world, people might learn to live better lives.
Favorite night out on the town: I like having a nice dinner date and then maybe seeing a live musical afterward.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Any good seafood restaurant or bars that have live entertainment.
Favorite food and drink: Steak, seafood, ice tea, Gatorade and most Anheuser-Busch products.
Few people know . . . my whole name. Most people know me as Stan.
What's the best thing about yourself? I'm honest and trustworthy, and I treat everyone the same. That's why I have a lot of friends.
Worst habit: Trying to do too many things at once. I'm always in a hurry.
First thing in the morning: I try to remember my agenda for the day.
Pets: None. But someday I would like to own a Labrador retriever.
Hobbies: Hunting, target shooting, reloading ammo, attending Winston Cup races, concerts, water skiing and playing guitar when I have the time.
Ideal vacation: Hunting with Dale Earnhardt at his farm in South Carolina or right here in Isle of Wight.
Pet peeve: People on ego trips and people who prejudge people without getting to know them.
First job: Cutting grass for a real estate company.
Worst job: Working in the tobacco fields of North Carolina for five summers. However, the money was good for a teenager.
Of what achievements are you most proud? Graduating from high school and the Newport News Apprentice School. Also, working in the music business, especially if it can make someone else happy.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Here lies someone who was loved and will be missed.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB