From the 1973 yearbook	From the Florida Times Union	Jacksonville Fire and Rescue

MURRAY Wesley Bass Murray, Sr. went to his heavenly home on Monday, September 5, 2011, following a long illness. He was born on November 30, 1919, to Myrtle Sanders and Frederick W. Murray, Sr. in Fernandina Beach, Florida. His passing leaves those of us remaining with such a great sense of loss, but also with joy.

There is joy in knowing he is once again reunited with those who preceded him in death. Among those would be the love of his life and soul mate of over 70 years, Ernestine Lee Murray; his two beloved sons, Bubba (Wesley B. Murray, Jr.) and Corky (Roland Lee Murray); and his beloved son-in-law, Richard V. Greek. He is survived by his loving daughters: Patricia (Garry) Allred, Sharon (Ted) Jones, and Deborah (William) Roberts; also a lifelong beloved 'other' daughter, Kathy (William) Dryden; grandchildren: Chris (Melody) Greek, Alicia (Mitchell) Gant, Alison (Shelby) Parker, Adam (Li) Jones, Meredith (Johnny) Brewer, Vanessa Roberts, Torey (Kayla) Roberts; great grandchildren: Taylor and Breanna Moore, Aislinn and Avery Parker, Luke and Nash Brewer, Marissa and Macey Gant, Alex and Preston Jones, Grayson Roberts, Bobby Anderson, Cathi and David Hampton; nephew: William (Brenda) Murray; nieces: Barbara (Charles) Evans and Jane (Albert) Strickland. He is also survived by many extended family members and many cherished friends. The Murray Family would also like to express our deepest appreciation for the kind and compassionate care provided by Wesley's two kind and loving caregivers, Sabrina Awe and JoAnn Benedict. We would also like to give our thanks to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida for the kind and compassionate care. We would like to give special thanks to his two nurses, Tracy Danaher and Kris Campbell as well as Dr. Donald Twiggs.

Wesley moved to Jacksonville at a very young age, but he along with his beloved, departed brother, Fred, would have a life long attachment and love for their paternal grandmother on Amelia Island. Wesley met the love of his life and future wife, Ernestine Lee, in Kirby Smith Jr. High School. Wesley graduated from Andrew Jackson in 1938, and began working the plumbing trade fulltime. Ernestine would not graduate until June 1940. On November 3, 1939, they went to Folkston, Georgia and were married; however, since they would need to keep it a secret until Ernestine graduated from high school, she would still need to be home by her curfew of 11 p.m. It was with great joy when Ernestine graduated and Wesley got his plumbers license that they announced to their parents they were, in fact, husband and wife. They were blessed with their first born child, Patricia, on September 16, 1941. Their joyful 70 year marriage would see them as proud parents of two more daughters and two sons. As well as working the plumbing trade, Wesley had a career with the City of Jacksonville Fire Department. He began working on the land stations, but shortly thereafter moved to the marine division. He was a 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite as well as a member of the Morocco Temple Shrine Wrecking Crew. After retiring from the City Fire Department, he worked for Florida Junior College. He retired from his work at the college in 1990. He then began his final work, a labor of love, caring for his dearly beloved Ernestine until she went to her heavenly home on November 17, 2009. He had a deep, abiding love and devotion for his family. He was a hard worker his whole life through, but his family always came first. He taught and guided his children and grandchildren with this same love and devotion, always living by example. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in memory of Wesley to Garden City United Methodist Church or to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257.

A memorial service was held Thursday, September 8, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Garden City United Methodist Church, 3057 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32218. Interment was by cremation. The family gathered and received friends one hour prior to the service. Services were under the direction of Cedar Bay Funeral Home, Jacksonville, 714-1110.