R. Charles 'Charlie' Murray Sr., 70

TOWNSEND - R. Charles "Charlie" Murray Sr., of Townsend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, in Beebe Hospital, Lewes, with his family by his side. He was 70.

Born in Wilmington, on Feb. 26, 1937, he was the son of the late Robert S. and Florence (Hepburn) Murray.

Along with his siblings, he was raised in the Summit area.

Mr. Murray proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

For more than 50 years, he worked with the International Union of Operatoring Engineers, Local 542, where he served as the local business agent and financial secretary.

He was instrumental in the construction of both spans of the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

For the past 44 years, Mr. Murray was a member of the Townsend Volunteer Fire Co., Station 26, where he held many positions during that time, including chief engineer and past president.

As a young man, Mr. Murray was a very civic minded individual who enjoyed helping others.

In the 1960s the Jaycees presented him with the Outstanding Young Man award.

Later in his life, he served as mayor of Townsend and was an active councilman for several terms.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph W. Murray, and a sister, Christiana Murray.

He is survived by three sons, Robert C. Murray Jr. and his wife Maureen of Smyrna, Kenneth A. Murray of Bethany Beach, and Todd W. Murray and his wife Brenda of Stroudsburg, Pa.; one brother, Bruce B. Murray; four sisters, Carolyn Shaffner, Elizabeth A. Henderson, Patricia Barcus and Sabina M. Moffitt; five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will full military and fireman's honors will be 10 a.m. Saturday in the Townsend Volunteer Fire Co., 107 Main St., Townsend, where family and friends may call two hours prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Townsend Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Murray's name to the Townsend Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 194, Townsend, DE 19734-0194.

Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home LLC, Middletown.