JC Murray

JC was born on September 23, 1929 in Buena Vista, GA. His parents Willie Green Murray and Addie Mae Murray preceded him in death.

JC had to stop his education early to assist his mother in providing financially for their family. He was such a hard worker and received this foundation from helping to build the family home and picking cotton in the fields.

He attended the Pine Land Baptist Church in Buena Vista, GA and was baptized around the age of 12. During his earlier years he and his brother Willie (aka Junior) attended Chapel Hill Baptist Church in Detroit. They were faithful members for many years.

JC’s first union with Sybella M. Neal produced two boys, Keith and Karl. In the mid-1950s JC moved to Detroit to begin looking for work to better support his family. He and his wife, Delores whom he wed in February of 1956 had four children, Jackie, Tony, Cathy and Alan. After working a few jobs he began his career with General Motors as a welder where he retired after 42.6 years in 2001. After retirement JC devoted full time to his landscaping business. He was so proud of his self-taught skills. Over the years those he employed would still visit and THANK him for the opportunity and for teaching them landscaping skills. His customers loved him and he loved them.

He loved to attend family reunions and celebratory gatherings. He was truly one of the family historians. He would tell stories about his family’s life back in the day and his love for his family. Everyone who spent time with him knew he loved to watch shoot ‘em up movies, CNN and Reverend Al Sharpton on MSNBC. He loved to talk about the good old days, politics, President Obama, landscaping, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his years at GM! He was a proud of UAW member of Local 909. At any time you could hear him singing gospel songs, especially his favorites Amazing Grace and Rough Side Of The Mountain.

JC made his transition September 9, 2020 just fourteen days shy of his 91st birthday. He leaves to celebrate his life and to carry on his legacy his wife, Delores; children: Keith, Karl Sr. (Joyce), Jackie (Dennis), Tony (Debbie), Cathy and Alan; grandchildren: Estelle, DaJuan Sr., Karl Jr., Stephanie, Duane (Rhea), Quinton (Alicia), Christopher, Keith, Brooke (Jose), Ay’Jah and Jayden; great-grandchildren: DaJuan Jr., Gabrielle, Eva, Mikayla, Kelila, Jalani and Arya; siblings: Willie Jr., Verdell Sr. (Betty), Florine and Mary, numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, longtime friends, neighbors, former customers and mentees. JC was preceded in death by siblings: Archie, Lorraine, Betty and Billie. JC will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.