BAILEYVILLE – Dennis W. Murray passed away peacefully Sept. 4 2009, surrounded by family and his best friend, Wayne, by his side. Dennis was born April 3, 1948, to the late Donald A. and Mary M. Murray. He graduated from Tipton High School in Indiana. Dennis then joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served for two tours in Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Dennis hitchhiked across the country and then graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in psychology. He then settled in Florida, where he worked as district president of a Florida insurance company. Dennis later moved to Maine and worked for several local businesses, until his health forced him into retirement. Dennis was a member of Peoples United Methodist Church, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans’, Frontier/Rebekah Lodge and Masons. Dennis spent 11 years as volunteer leadership in the Civil Air Patrol, which led into his involvement in becoming the co-founder and co-director of Wreaths Across America. He was proud to transport and lay thousands of wreaths in Arlington Cemetery. Dennis was very proud to be an American. Dennis was an active volunteer at Frank Beckett Center, Calais, and had recently trained to become a Special Olympics coach. Dennis was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Donnie Murray and Walter. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 15 years; two daughters, Elizabeth Perry and her husband, James, of Lawton, Okla., and Lori Croman and her husband, Craig, of Baileyville; two sons, John D. Murray of Oklahoma City and Stephen Lincoln and his wife, Nancy, of Baileyville; his grandsons, Josh, Tyler, Stephen, Ryan, Damon and Mark, and Mason James, who should arrive at the end of this month; and his only granddaughter, Tammara Leigh. In addition Dennis is survived by his loving sister, Linda “Sandy” Murray-Faulk and her husband, Mack, of Laurinburg, N.C.; two brothers, David Murray of Florida and Doug Murray of Florida; several nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Ralph O. Robinson of Augusta; brother-in-law, Ron Robinson and Sandy of Harmony; sister-in-law, Susan Bell and husband, Bob, of Readfield; sister-in-law, Kathy Murray of North Carolina; a special aunt, Frieda; and cousins, Betty and Ron Rice, all of Calais. Maj. Murray sends a final salute to his St. Croix/ Downeast squadron cadets of the Civil Air Patrol; to bros. Wayne Merrit and Tommy Leighton; his Ella Mae; dragon buddy, Avis McIntyre; fishing buddy, Kim Demeritt; and all of his friends at the Frank Beckett Center. Services for Dennis will be held at a later date in October allowing Dennis’ family to be here. The date will be posted in local papers. Per Dennis’s wishes and in lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Frank Beckett Center, P.O. Box 384, Calais, ME 04619.
DENNIS W. MURRAY ‘MAJ. MURRAY’
