Willie (Donald) Jerome Murray Sr's Obituary
Willie Murray, Sr., the son of the late Robert Murray and Susie Murray was born on November 22, 1946, in Jackson Michigan. He is preceded in death by sisters; Doris Smith, Edwina Upchurch and son; Anthony Murray. Willie departed on September 26, 2022 at his beloved home.
He served in the United States Army for three years as a Military Police Officer. He later obtained his Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor.
Willie, aka, Donald, dedicated his life to helping troubled youth, both at W.J Maxey Boys Training School, and Murack Lodge Residential Facility. Murack Lodge was a dream for both Donald and his best friend, Zack Cunningham. As a matter of fact, the name, “Murack”, derives from both of their names, the first three letters of Murray, M U R, and the last 3 letters of Zack, A C K, equals “Murack”. Murack Lodge was a residential care home with a comprehensive program designed and developed to address the post treatment recidivism of youthful offenders.
Donald enjoyed his Shih Tzu dogs, Sammy, Teensy, Eddie and Biba, entertaining family and friends, his cars (Trans-Am, Jaguar, and Cadillac), in which he often drove through the neighborhood throwing up the “X” with his hands, or was greeted with the “X” from others, representing a term of endearment, love and affection. Donald had plenty of jokes, and a sense of humor that often-left others hysterical in laughter. Needless to say, he was an Exquisite, Sharp dresser from head to toe, and with those outfits, he had “dance moves” like no other! His memorable smile will definitely be missed.
He is survived by his two children, son; Willie Murray Jr. and daughter; Kimbra Murray, both of Denver, Colorado, his siblings; Robert (Bettie), Muray Jr. of Jackson, Michigan and Sandra Murray of Las Vegas, Nevada, six grandchildren; Joshua (Eia) Wright, Aaron Murray, Anthony Murray, (who was named after his late Uncle), De Maurion Murray, Nitia Scott and Shartel Evans, four great-grandchildren; Makhia Murray, Joshua and Jovani Wright-Benavidez and Jru Adams, godson; Demetrice King, along with numerous family and friends spanning many generations.
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