Neil W. Murray Sr., 72

Neil W. Murray Sr., 72, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2012, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Murray was preceded in death by his father, David L. Murray, mother, Leanor Murray Smith, and brother, Grant W. Murray Sr. He is survived by his faithful and caring wife of 52 years, Yvonne Long Murray; two daughters, Cathy Tripp and her husband, Harvey Tripp III, and JoAnna Evans, and husband, J.S. Evans Jr.; son, Neil Murray Jr., and his wife, Debbie Murray; six grandchildren, Lindsey and Kortney Tripp, Hilary and Emily Murray, and John Murray III, and Joel Evans; one great-grandson, Connor Hall; a sister-in-law, Bernice Murray; three nieces, one nephew, many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a special little sidekick, Daisy Mae.

Murray had many achievements in life, the first being the love of his church, Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church, where he held many positions. He enjoyed participating in the praise band because music was always an important part of his life. He served as a sergeant in the Ocean View Police Department from 1966 to 1972. After moving to Millville, Murray served on the town council for eight years and was mayor from 1976 to 1977.

He spent 31 years working as the driver’s license supervisor at the Division of Motor Vehicle in Georgetown. He retired in 2002 to enjoy life with his wife and family, whom he loved very much. Murray was remembered as a friendly and very caring man who put others’ needs before his own. His motto to live by was always “one day at a time.”

Funeral services were scheduled for Aug. 1, 2012, at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church in Ocean View, Del. Arrangements were by Melson Funeral Services, through which condolences may be sent online at www.melsonfuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to a new memorial scholarship at Mariner’s Bethel CRASH Ministries Youth Program; 81 Central Ave.; Ocean View, DE 19970, or to Delaware Hospice Center; 100 Patriots Way; Milford Del 19963.