Murray E. Ash Sr.

Murray E Ash, Sr., age 84, of Moody, Alabama, died on Feb 1, 2017. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Nira Gaye Ash, his parents, Hyman and Katherine Ash, his Aunt, Mary Stephens and his brother Gerald Ash. He is survived by his second wife, Ann Ash, his son Murray Ash, Jr. (Tracy) his daughter, Susan Ash Cooch (Glenn), his two stepchildren, James Jones (Nicole) and Jada Williams (Jimmy) and by his grandchildren that he admired so dearly, Matthew Ash (Christina), Emily Ash, Alex Cooch, Ashleigh Cooch and step granddaughter Kirsten Williams. Also survived by his brother, Edgar Ash and many nieces and nephews who over the years were thought of as his children.

Murray was a very affectionate person with the spiritual gift of a GIVING Heart. Murray always had a way of recognizing a need and knowing how to bless others. He loved his children and grandchildren. He would tell you that his favorite memory was sharing the reading of the 23rd Psalm when they were small. Murray loved God, his family, his home and his work.

Murray may have grown up poor but he was never hungry. He started working at the age of 13 delivering coal/stove wood for his dad and farming instead of finishing his schooling. His family attended the Ebenezer Methodist Church and he accepted Jesus as a young man. Murray served in the Korean War where he was a part of the Motor Pool and afterwards used his GI bill to study mechanics. This gave him a dream of owning his own business one day. Murray and Gaye opened Murray’s Garage on April 1, 1959 and his son, Murray Ash Jr (Chip) continues to keep his Dad’s legacy .

Murray wanted to make sure his love and gratitude was expressed to not only his family, but most definitely to his Murray’s Garage family from both past and present. Murray dedicated his life to his business, employees and associates throughout the years. Murray realized his dream of building Murray’s Garage from a one small wrecker business to the current fleet of 14 wreckers. Murray wanted us to acknowledge that this business still operates and thrives today because of his dedicated son, Murray Ash, Jr., and all his dedicated employees and associates. Not a day passed without thinking about his business and even to the point of calling his son every evening at 7pm to ask how things were at the “shop”.

Our family is eternally grateful for the wonderful sitters and Alacare Hospice staff. God placed you all in our lives and the love you showed Murray will never be forgotten.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Cedar Grove Baptist Church with burial at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.