Donald A. Murray

Donald A. Murray, 88, of Columbia Cross Roads, PA passed away on Tuesday September 10, 2024 at Broad Acres Health and Rehabilitation Center in Wellsboro PA.

Don was born on July 21 1936 in Elmira, New York to the late Frances and Aileene (Allen) Murray. He attended Troy Area Schools and was a graduate of the class of 1954. Don served his country for 2 years in the US Army. On July 22, 1967 Don married the former Irene Brown of Monroeton, PA at the Monroeton United Methodist Church. On July 22, 2024 they celebrated 57 years of marriage. Irene joined Don at his home in Louisville, KY.

Don graduated from Career Academy School of Radio Broadcasting. In 1973 he worked weekends as a DJ from Eminence, KY and later from downtown Louisville. His full-time job was as a driver for United Parcel Service where he earned a 2-year safe driving award. Don was also a DJ for 13AM in Troy on Sunday afternoons.

Don and Renie's twin sons were born at Methodist Hospital in Louisville, KY. On June 29, 1975 Don and his family moved back to the Columbia Cross Roads area and on July 1, 1975 Don started his new job as owner and operator of Murray's General Store which they had purchased from Courtney and Peg Murray, Don's cousins. Don became a licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate salesman in 1992 for 15 years. He sold real estate on a part-time basis.

In 2021, Don received a 40-year Pennsylvania State/United States Bowling Congress Participation Award. Don was an avid bowler, Jim Fields asked Don to bowl with his team beginning in the fall of 1975. Bob Hunter invited Don to join the Sylvania Lions Club in the fall of 1975. Don served the club by helping with all the Hunters Breakfast and the calling the demolition derby. He called the derby until he no longer could climb the stairs to the booth. One of Don's greatest honors was that Mark Strezlecki, Troy High School head football coach, asked him to help with coaching. It is believed it was the year Mark had 30 plus 9th graders sign up for football. Mark, his coaches, and his team won the NTL in 1981.

Don was a faithful member of the Bradford County Planning Commission. He resigned in April of 2024 due to declining health. He was a member of the Columbia Cross Roads United Methodist Church, Sugar Creek parish.

Don is survived by his wife Irene of Columbia Cross Roads; his sons; Troy Murray of the Green Home, Wellsboro, PA; Douglas and Valerie Murray of Kouts, IN, grandchildren; Trey (McKenna) Murray of Columbia Cross Roads, PA, Abby (Quintin) Graves of Huntington, IN; Madelyn (Isaiah) Estepp of Cedarville, OH, Andrew Murray and Katelyn Murray of Kouts, IN; great-grandchildren Brinlee Murray of Columbia Cross Roads and Heidi Jo Graves of Huntington IN, his siblings; Gayle Kershner of Towanda PA and Tom (Lynn) Murray of Columbia Cross Roads, PA. Don also has numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents Francis and Aileene (Allen) Murray, brother Robert Murray, also brother-in-law George “Hoppi” Kershner.

A memorial gathering to honor Don’s life will be at a later date hosted by the Sylvania Lions Club. The funeral service will be private at the convenience of Don's family with his son Pastor Doug Murray officiating. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be directed to the Sylvania Lions Club, PO Box 5, Sylvania, PA 16945. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Troy, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements.