LeRay Martin "Ray" Murray

LeRay M. “Ray” Murray, 71, of Riverdale, Nebraska, died Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at CHI-Health St. Francis-Grand Island. He was born July 23, 1945, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Ray and Carmen (Garmello) Murray. Ray was a construction carpenter and drove truck for Tanner Company in Arizona. He loved fishing, hunting, and watching sports, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He also loved boxing because he boxed in the Golden Gloves as a younger man. He was a great painter of landscapes and scenery. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his life partner, Donna Murray of Riverdale, Nebraska; six children, Troy Smith and special friend, Jody of Broken Bow, Nebraska, Todd and wife Carmen Szatko of Columbus, Nebraska, Crystal Murn and special friend, Rex of Grand Island, Nebraska, Cherie Smith and special friend Ricky of Kearney, Nebraska, Tammy and husband Clarence Sparacino of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Buck and wife Shannon Murray of Broken Bow, Nebraska; twenty-four grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, three brothers, five sisters; also surviving are nieces, nephews, and many friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, one son, one brother, and one sister. It was Ray’s wishes for cremation. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Celebration of Life Get-together will be held Monday, January 30, 2017, at the Eagles Lodge in Columbus, Nebraska, from 1 to 4 p.m. – 3205 12th St. Memorials are suggested to the family. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.