David L. Murray

David L. Murray, age 56 of Sterling Heights, died Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born May 12, 1957 in Detroit, son of the late Donald Murray and the late Phyllis (nee: Ward) Murray.A proud graduate of Fitzgerald High School's Class of '76, David went on to further his education through trade school where his emphasis was on mechanics and welding, and ultimately landed employment as an Estimator. His working career was an eclectic one which incorporated a variety of different jobs, but he especially enjoyed his latest venture as a salesman with ADT Security Systems. Yet, perhaps most pride-making was his dip in the entrepreneurial pool when he began his own wedding photography business, D & S Photography. With a tagline that stated; "Where the fun begins"…is it any wonder just how much enjoyment David took away from his work, or the laughter and joy he provided his clients at every shoot. After a long and successful run, he retired the "business camera" in 2003.On May 18, 1979, having just turned 22 years old, David married his soulmate, Sheryl, and the two lovebirds began their life together, building their first nest in Mt.Clemens. From there, relocation would take them to the city of Warren,…then ultimately, in 1983, to the community of Sterling Heights. Like most guys, David was an avid sports fan with interests including both indoor and outdoor varieties. There were the ones he liked participating in, and the favorites he enjoyed watching. When he was feeling active, it could often involve a day of the links in search of that elusive hole-in-one, or perhaps the more invigorating choice of a ride on the bicycle. There was also the ever-popular camping excursions that were always a hoot,…but nothing quite spelled "fun" like a rousing game of bowling. David found great enjoyment in the camaraderie and comedy that was often the fare-of-the-day at the bowling alleys,…a place where he earned the term of endearment, "The Mouth." One can only wonder just how that title was earned. Participation in sports also had another unique face for David, and it was found in the challenges he enjoyed in playing Fantasy Football.As for those moments in front of the television or sitting at the stadiums, David's sporting pleasures included the Detroit Tigers, the Lions, WWF Wrestling, and his University of Michigan teams, of course. Alas, sports wasn't the only television entertainment he enjoyed. David was part of a hugely popular audience called "Trekkies"…the untold millions of viewers who tuned in to watch the adventures of Captain Kirk and the Starship Enterprise each week. There wasn't a Star Trek movie that he missed in his countless hours of watching.Yet, without question, David's greatest passion was found in his loved ones. It was important to him that his obituary reflected what an honest, caring, fun-loving guy he was,…and that he was a good & faithful husband and caring father. But these weren't merely words of description,…they were a testimony to the man he truly was! He lived out and shared each of the above traits, and they merely scratch the surface of the legacy he leaves behind. From his loved ones come the additions of giving, outgoing, and sociable. Alongside these warm & fuzzy traits, this story would be sadly remiss if not to mention what a goofball he was, and that bit of sarcastic humor that reared its head from time to time,…but always in the most playful of intentions. Like those times he enjoyed playing a little "hide & seek" on his wife as she arrived home from work, unbeknownst to her. Or the times he would sidle up to you and state, "Hi! My name is Dave!" And we can't get away without mentioning the pinnacle moments when he'd whip out his baby picture to share. They were truly "for your eyes only" kind of memories. And there was nobody who enjoyed a party more than David!!! Being around loved ones and friends, engaging in fun and creating those moments to last a lifetime,…that's what life was all about for this cheery, Party Animal!!! Yet, as life can often bring its challenges, David was not immune. It was on February 28, 2011 that he received the news of his ALS diagnosis, and life took a different course. Unexpected and unbelievable, though it was,…David pressed on. Where many might have thrown in the towel, David turned toward his faith and the strength within. With that as his springboard, he helped launch an ALS support group at his church (Heritage Church in Sterling Heights) called, "Finishing Strong." So along with all the aforementioned traits he possessed, this writer chooses to add unselfish,…with a heavy dose of unconditional love as its support.Gone far too soon from our presence, David leaves a true and lasting testament of how we should live,…and moreover, love. That legacy and lesson is something we have to draw from with each reflection of David that is shared. A loving husband, father, brother and uncle, he now becomes a Guardian Angel who awaits those blessed reunions on the other side. He will be missed immensely and loved eternallyDavid was the beloved husband of Sheryl. Loving father of Christopher and Michelle. Brother of Greg (Yvonne) Murray. Brother-in-law of Gary (Lori) Brandenburg. Devoted uncle of Kim (Jeff) Miller, Heather, and Thomas Brandenburg. Great Uncle of Zachary and Mackenzie Miller. Visitation for David will be held on Thursday, October 24th from 5-9pm and Friday, October 25th from 2-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. His Funeral Service will be at the funeral home on Saturday at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the ALS Association of Michigan.Please share memories of David at his guest book.