Gerald A. Murray

Gerald Allan (Jerry) Murray (64) died peacefully in his sleep on April 17, 2015. Jerry was born on July 18, 1950 in Orlando to his parents Margaret Cates Murray and William D. Murray. He was the fourth of five children, and third son in the Murray Family. He grew up with his family at a house on Anderson Street and graduated from Boone High School in 1969. Jerry worked locally as a taxi cab driver for Mears Transportation, delivered flowers for House of Flowers, and delivered fuel oil for Johnson’s Fuel Oil.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents and his precious wife Myrtle Frances Shaw Walters. Jerry and his wife Frances shared a deep, loving relationship. Jerry was madly in love with Frances! And she with him!

Jerry was a member of First United Methodist Church of Orlando. He was grounded spiritually and maintained spiritual disciplines of Bible reading and meditation daily. He was also highly intelligent and possessed a quick and delightful wit. He loved following sports, especially football. He also enjoyed watching history shows on television, chatting after the shows about what he had learned. Jerry was able to serve as family historian as he could remember names and dates better than anyone in his family. Any time family members had questions about what happened and when, Jerry always had the answer. When Jerry was not around, people would remark, “Jerry would know the answer to that question.”

Jerry had a special touch with animals and pets. He gently cared for his finches Little Fella and Little Hen and his dog Mitzie. Other dogs who did not like anyone except their very own special person recognized Jerry as a safe and good man and when Jerry would sit down they would jump up next to him to snuggle.

Jerry’s family thanks the employees of The Parks Health Care in Orlando for their 15-year-long, excellent care of Jerry. Staff members are distinguished in professionalism, loving care, skill, and compassion. Jerry considered The Parks his home and the staff part of his family. Staff members mourn his passing right along with his family.

Jerry is survived by sister Pat Millison and her husband Don of Charlottesville VA, brother Mike Murray and his wife Phyllis Harlow of Orlando, brother Dennis Murray and his wife Marty Lenzini of Orlando, and sister Susan Murray and her wife Ann Weiss of Gerton NC. Additionally Jerry is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews living in Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, Texas, and Tennessee.

Instead of flowers, Jerry’s family asks that contributions in his memory be made to The Parks Health Care Employee Fund, 9311 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837.

A graveside service is planned for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Greenwood Cemetery in Orlando. The Rev. Hardy Sandlin of First United Methodist Church of Orlando, who was one of Jerry’s childhood friends, will officiate.