Robert W. Murray, Sr., age 75, of Frankford, DE went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in the comfort of his own home while surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born in Lewes, DE on August 8, 1949, and raised on a farm in Frankford, DE son of the late Clifford I. Murray and the late Lucy (Magee) Murray.  By the age of 10, he was helping his father on the family farm from feeding the animals, to bailing hay and driving the tractor.  His formative years helped instill a strong character and work ethic.  He was a graduate of John M. Clayton High School Class of 1967.  He proudly served his country in the Delaware National Guard from 1967-1975.

Robert began his working career with Dupont before working for NCR in their management department.  After NCR moved out of the area, Robert began working as the produce manager at A&P / SuperFresh in Ocean City for over 20 years.  In 1996 he started his own general contracting business, a job he thoroughly enjoyed until retiring in 2015.

Robert poured his heart and soul into his community, serving 32 years with the Frankford Volunteer Fire Company where he was a Past President of the Company and currently held the office of Treasurer a position that he has held for the last 20 years.  He also served on several committees for the town of Frankford, serving on the Charter Committee and Budget Committee and was committed to Envision Frankford.  Robert was also a lifelong member of the Frankford Community Church, formerly the Frankford United Methodist Church where he held various positions from trustee to president of the Administrative Council.  Robert also helped lead the youth group and volunteered his time with the vacation bible school as well.

Robert loved baseball and was a diehard New York Yankees fan.  He was a former member of the Old Timers Softball League where he was on the winning state championship team in 2014.  His love of baseball was passed on to his children and grandchildren and he was always involved in all his children and grandchildren's sporting events.  He was a coach and volunteered for Lower Sussex Little League as his children were growing up and never missed any of his grandchildren's games.  Robert also enjoyed hunting and, with his sons, continued the family tradition of quail hunting every Thanksgiving morning.  Vacations, especially those to Disney as the grandchildren were growing up created lasting memories.  Maybe the best word that could describe Robert was "blessed", he had a loving, caring, and supportive family, and "blessed" that he received a lung transplant in 2018 at the University of Maryland.  The Murray family will be forever grateful to the amazing healthcare team that cared for him over the years and to the donor and their family.  Their selfless decision to choose organ donation gave Robert six bonus years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford I. Murray, Jr. and Thomas C. Murray and brother-in-law Harry Smith. Robert is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 55 years, Kathryn "Kathy" (Smith) Murray; two sons, Robert "Robbie" Murray, Jr. and his wife, Denise and Bryan Murray and his wife, Nicole; 7 grandchildren, Billy Murray and his wife, Blakelyn, Elizabeth Murray, Katie Murray and her fiancé, Edward Nichols, David Millman, Belle Murray, Bryan Murray and Keirra Santarelli and two great grandsons, Braxton and Liam.  Robert is also survived by two sisters, Janet Smith and Neva Proudfoot and her husband, Dave; a sister-in-law, Glenda Murray; his constant canine companion, Chloe and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, DE 19945, where friends and family may call after 10 AM.  Interment will follow at Carey's Cemetery in Frankford, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Robert's name to the Frankford Community Church, PO Box 37, Frankford, DE 19945 or Frankford Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 99, Frankford, DE 19945.