Sylvester Joseph Murray was born on January 5th, 1924 on the island of Tobago (Trinidad and Tobago). He was the 7th of 11 children born to Simeon and Lovely Murray. He was preceded in death by his wife Agatha Murray, son Carl Alexis, and by 7 of his siblings - Ebenezer Murray, Catherine Charles, Dustly Murray, Philomena Benjamin, Philbert Murray, Newton Murray, and Renita Murray. Also preceding him in death are his grandson Jason Salazar, and King Murray (Great-Grandson). Sylvester has 3 living siblings - Althea Johnson of Waterbury Connecticut, Alvin Murray, and Martin Murray of Trinidad and Tobago. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Nicholas Joseph and also by his sister-in -law, Henrietta White. He leaves behind to cherish his memories his 4 surviving children - Joan Salazar (Terry) of Trinidad and Tobago, Peter (Melody) Murray, Gloria Murray Addi, Junior (Suzanne) Murray of Grand Rapids. He was the proud Grandfather of 13 - Jason Salazar, Joanne Salazar, Coady Alexander, Marcus Alexander, Christopher Glasper, Yannick Alexander, all of Trinidad and Tobago, Adda Addi, Brendan Murray, Melissa Murray, Leah Murray, Peter J. Murray II, Tamica, Tawana and Tamerra Wright. He was the great-grandfather of 15. Jubron, Amaiia, Desja, Terrima, Shara, Teara, Taia, Tia, Shadaa, Verada, Amari, Teshrra, Kassidy, Peter Murray III, and King (deceased). He had lots of nieces and nephews including: Pearl Charles, Germaine Benjamin, Dorothy, Leotta, Linda Marva Mitchell, Venra Etienne, Antoinette and Dexter Murray, Elvon Murray, Noreen Murray, Glenroy Vernice, Phillip , Eve Meldrum and Gillian Joseph of Canada, Norma Adams, Joycelyn Thomas, Paul Henry and countless others. Sylvester migrated to the US, and not too long afterwards found work in his trade as a plumber/pipefitter at American Seating Company, where he worked until his retirement. He was an avid walker, and traveled the country competing in races. He was also a dedicated gardener, he had a well-kept vegetable garden and rose garden. He was a great cook, he had to be, after his wife died at only 26 years old leaving him to raise the kids, he learned fast, but never remarried, he was both father and mother to them. "Have a Coke!" that was the first thing he would say to you as you walked in his front door, he loved his Coca-Cola. He was a strong-willed individual, always wanting to help his kids with household projects, and always willing to help the them and friends with their plumbing needs. He would rather cut his own grass and shovel his own snow up until a year ago. He was loved and will be missed by his loving friends Gloria Bryant and Francis Copperwood, and his neighbors Joann Maciejewski, and Cheryl and Sanders who would at times cut his grass and blow his snow. Even though he was 94 and lived a full life, his kids and loved ones still felt that his life was taken away from his slight body too soon. While we contemplate his loss, let us also celebrate the loving memories that he leaves behind. Dad, we won't say goodbye, just good night. The service will be on Friday December 7th at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. at the following address. First Community A.M.E.Church Address: 500 James Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616) 459-0151 The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)



Service Information

Service
When: Friday, December 7, 2018 11:00am
Location: First Community A.M.E. Church
Address: 500 James Ave SEGrand Rapids,Michigan 49503