Alex Paul Murray, DVM

Murray, Alex Paul, DVM "Al" Bay City, Michigan Dr. Murray passed away early Tuesday morning January 8, 2013 at his residence with his wife Patricia at his side. Age 81 years. He was born July 15, 1931 in Tyre, Michigan. Alex was an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church where he served as an usher and on the parish council. He graduated from Cass City High School and the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Murray owned and operated Tri-City Animal Hospital in Bay City for 34 years. After retiring Alex and Patricia spent their winters in Arizona and Alex continued practicing with many local veterinarians during summers in Michigan. He was a member of Knights of Columbus # 414, served on the Bay City Board of Education and was a former member of B.P.O.E. Lodge # 88. He enjoyed woodcarving, working with stained glass, country music, traveling throughout the western United States, playing golf and enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren how to play cribbage and euchre. Alex and Patricia met while in college and shared a lifelong passion for all things Michigan State. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. On August 17, 1957 he married his wife of fifty five years the former Patricia Anne Spencer in St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Ravenna, Michigan. Patricia survives his passing along with four sons, their spouses and families: Paul and Lezlie of Brentwood, TN and children Sarah and Dana; Joseph of Portage, MI and children Haley and Parker; Greg and Lani of Portage, MI and children Ryan, Mike (Sarah), Stephanie and Katie; John and Wendy of Ray, MI and children Charlee, Jack and Jake. He is also survived by two brothers, A.J. (Dorothy) and Alfred (Mary) Murray, sister-in-law Colleen (John) Fitzpatrick, brother-in-law Leonard (Jan) Spencer, nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his father and step mother, Alex Paul and Marie Murray, his mother Sarah, his sister Lorraine Mauer and grandson, Alex Paul Murray. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at McLaren Visiting Nurse Service, McLaren Hospice and all our special friends who helped during this difficult time for the kind and compassionate care they extended to our husband, father and grandfather. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Friday, January 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Robert J. Meissner with interment following in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Thursday from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Vigil for the deceased will take place Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home followed by the Bible Presentation by the Knights of Columbus #414. Dr. Murray will be taken to the church on Friday to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Animal Health Foundation (MVMA), St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or The Salvation Army. Memorial cards will be available at the funeral home.