Raymond E. Murray

November 19, 1938 – March 22, 2023

Beloved husband of the late Mary Ellen (Renaud). Beloved father of Michael (Dominica) Murray, Linda Malaney, Laura (Winston Britton) Murray, and Daniel (Shannon) Murray. Loving grandfather of Stephanie, Scott, Emily, Sam, Mike, Eddie, Ashley, Eric, Wolf and Kane. Extra-special great grandfather to 10 little angels. Predeceased by loving parents Raymond D. and Margaret (Moore) Murray and brothers Robert, James and Lawrence.

Ask anyone who knew Ray Murray to describe him.

Generally, they'll say, he was quiet and unassuming. They may mention his warm and welcoming smile, or perhaps his voice, soft and gentle. And they will probably say something about his sense of humor.

But, invariably, they'll tell you how he made them feel – because Ray Murray spent his lifetime thinking of others first.

Now, in full disclosure, he had many pursuits that might have been selfishly motivated in his younger years. His first love, in fact, was baseball where he excelled as a slick-fielding shortstop, reportedly making all the local girls "swoon" because he could "really barrel-up the fastball". (As Ray was the source of this information, we have to take him at his word.) At various times, he also fell in love with bowling, golf (short lived, because "I can't hit a straight shot to save my life"), and University of Michigan football. And University of Michigan basketball. And, well, University of Michigan everything.

Throughout his life, Ray had many simple, modest pleasures. He liked country music, a can of beer, Wheel of Fortune, hot dogs and ice cream. He enjoyed shooting pool with his brothers, debating the merits of the designated hitter with his brothers-in-law, and was proud – very, very proud – of his Irish heritage.

But his one true love was his high school sweetheart – Mary Ellen. He was fiercely devoted to his Mary Ellen – who he always referred to as "my bride", even after 60 years of marriage – and to their four children, Mike, Linda, Laura and Dan.

No, Ray and Mary Ellen didn't travel the world. But they were excited to travel to Florida each February, and they visited every corner of Michigan – particularly "Up North" and their favorite spot, Mackinac Island. In later years, most of their travels involved their grandchildren's sporting events, school plays, dance recitals and concerts. They seldom missed one, because nothing was more important than family.

They say 90% of life is showing up. If that's the case, Ray Murray got it right.

After graduating from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in his hometown River Rouge, Ray spent more than three decades at Great Lakes Steel, regularly pulling double-shifts and working holidays to provide the best life possible for his family. Missing a day of work wasn't an option. Yes, his family needed the money, but he also didn't want to leave his coworkers shorthanded.

When his father passed away, Ray spent many years looking after his mom and brother. Whenever his children or any of his 10 grandchildren faced challenges or disappointments, he was there to help. Had he lived longer – and not struggled with Alzheimer's disease in recent years – he would have been ready to do the same for his 10 great-grandchildren.

That spirit of generosity extended well beyond his family. For more than 20 years, Ray and Mary Ellen volunteered their time to support the St. Sebastian (now St. Maria Goretti) Spring Festival. He was a proud lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, supporting various causes of the Jones Council and fellow members. The Murrays also became familiar faces at the annual Gilda's Club charity walks. If there was a fundraiser for a local family, school or non-profit group, Ray and Mary Ellen didn't hesitate to help as best they could.

Through all of it, Ray was content to stay in the background. He didn't seek recognition or fame or pats on the back. What mattered most was doing the right thing, the right way. No shortcuts.

He was hard working, kind, available, and generous with his time and money, serving as a wonderful role model for his children and grandkids. He cared for others, prioritizing their needs above his own. In many ways, Ray Murray was a real life George Bailey – he felt like the richest man in town.

By every measure that matters, he was right.

And we're the richer for it.

Visitation 3:000-8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 26, 2023 at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 22546 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, Michigan 48124.

In-state 9:30 a.m., Monday, March 27, 2023 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church (formerly St. Sebastian Catholic Church), 20710 Colgate, Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48125.
Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:
Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter
25200 Telegraph Rd., Suite 100
Southfield, MI 48033
or call 800.272.3900.