Here's to you Jack Murray!

John Walter Murray, Jr. (1926 - 2008)

Jack, was called by God at the age of 81 on April 1st, 2008, peacefully passing at home, with his wife and family present.

Born in Baltimore to John Walter Smith Murray and Martha Buffington Murray, he lived most of his life in Elkton. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ethel Ann, their six children and nine grandchildren; John, his wife Jane, and children Aileen and Branch, Joan M. MacKenzie, her daughter Lauren, Robert, his wife Bettie and children Matthew and Michael, Marcella Lockwood, her husband Wayne, and children Jacqueline and James, Maureen Bell, her husband Clyde and Maggie Allen, her husband Dickie and their children Eric and Erin. He is also survived by his brother, Bob and his family, and his cousins E. Walter, Jean Dixon, and Virginia Lee Bergamo and close friend Virginia (Miss Emma) Jones. He was predeceased by his dear sister-in law Helen Roberts.

Jack was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Grade School and Salesianum High School, after which he attended University of MD. He than spent a year in the seminary of the Missionary Servants before enlisting in the Navy during WWII. He was a successful business owner of Libby's Beauty Shop, E. May Murray's Store, State Line Liquors, and Redwood Stables Standardbred Training Facility.

Jack will be remembered for his involvement in the Elkton Little League baseball and softball programs. He coached and mentored youths for decades, taking the 1979 senior girl's All-star team to a second place finish in the World Series. He also coached at Mt. Aviat Academy, Immaculate Conception School, Ursuline Academy, D. A. P. baseball and in the New Castle County Parks and Recreation Women's League. He enjoyed all sports with a competitive nature, teaching everyone that it was not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.

He was a beloved and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is most known for his love of animals, great and small, especially driving around with his dogs in his infamous "dogmobile" and jogging his standardbred racehorses. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time at his winter home in the Florida Keys.

He had a deep faith in God that showed in his actions and caring nature toward everyone. He was honored to become a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He will be remembered and missed for his kind heart and generous spirit by his family and friends.