WILMINGTON — Elbert ‘Ray’ Murray, 80, passed away Thursday, March 2, 2017. He was born April 27, 1936, in Wake County, N.C.
His parents were Elbert Lee and Lizzy Mae Murray; brothers, Charles and Ronnie (deceased); sisters, Rachel (deceased), Vernell, Judy, Jo Ann, Brenda and Portica.
He met Leona Bailey in 1958 and was married on Oct. 4, 1958. They were married for 58 years.
Ray leaves behind six children, Betty, Ray, Sammie, Ricky, Rob and Christy; 12 grandchildren, Donald, Andera, James, Stephen, Whitney, Wayne, Brittani, Brooke, Amanda, Josiah and Melissa; and nine great-grandchildren, Amy, Hanna Rae, William, Hunter, Rachel, Weston, Logan, Miriah and Morgan.
Dad was a crane operator for 50 years. As a crane operator, he built many things; such as, sea walls, jetties, and bridges in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. He went shrimping at Tar Landing for many years. After retiring for a second time, he began his hobby of building bird houses, as well as other structures; such as, cabins with fireplaces, a church, a fort, a horse ranch and a bridge.
He loved the Lord and attended The Church of God on Middle Sound Loop Road in Wilmington. He will be greatly missed by a lot of people.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Peter Manolukus and the staff at New Hanover Regional Medical Center – Ogden for the many years they took care of him. The family also wishes to thank the 7th, 8th and 10th floor staffs at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Last but not least, the family also wants to thank Lower Cape Fear Hospice LifeCareCenter staff for the care and compassion they had shown to Ray and the family.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at The Church of God, 246 Middle Sound Loop Road, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to the American Diabetes Association at TMCfunding.com.
Share memories and condolences with the family at wilmingtoncares.com.