Hayward E. Murray, proud Vietnam veteran
Hayward E. Murray, 80, of Dagsboro, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in the comfort of his own home.
Hayward was born in Clarksville Aug. 15, 1944, son of the late Earis Hayward Murray and the late Seatta (Brandner) Murray He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and also served in the Delaware National Guard.
Hayward was a hardworking man who provided for his family through his carpentry skills. He was a fiercely independent man who enjoyed taking his nightly “deer runs.” Above all else, he loved his large family, and being a Poppop was a role he loved to fill.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sheryl A. Murray; and three siblings, George Murray, Eva Bunting and Fred Murray. Hayward is survived by his eight children, Allan Murray (Christy) of Livermore, Ky., Donnie Murray (Heidi) of Utica, Ky., Diane Reader of Utica, Karen Miller (Chris) of Calhoun, Ky., Scott Murray (Rhonda) of Dagsboro, Kevin Murray (Lourie) of Dagsboro, Heather Mustian (Ryan) of Askewville, N.C, and Jessica Murray of Dagsboro; 19 grandchildren, Savannah, Lucas, Jacob, Jordan, Mathew, Sam, Hannah, Jackson, Ethan, Olivia, Thomas, Abi, Caleb, Mallory, Katelyn, Brianna, Gavin, Ava and Allie; and five great-grandchildren, Emelia, Montgomery, Cole, Mary Catherine and Lauren Kate. Hayward is also survived by his four siblings, Janice Collins, Steven Murray (Marybeth), Linda White (Ray) and Frank Murray; a brother-in-law, Dean Bunting; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Friday, Oct. 25, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, where friends and family may gather after 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Dagsboro Redmen’s Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Hayward’s name to Tunnell Cancer Center, c/o Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958; beebehealthcare.org/donate.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
