Roy Murray

Roy Sylvester Thomas Murray, affectionately known as “Bubbles” and “Ves” was born in Dover, Delaware, to the late Walter P. Murray and Phyllis Rae Thomas-Kennedy on September 29, 1964. He went home to glory on September 8, 2012. He was 47 years young. Throughout his life, Roy had a very close relationship with all of his siblings and family members. To know Roy was to love, admire, and respect him. He was very outgoing, friendly, had an easy-going spirit, and never met a person he considered a stranger. Roy graduated from Dover High School in 1983. While in high school, he was an office aide in the Guidance Department and belonged to ROTC. He enlisted in the United States Army on February 23, 1984 and received numerous commendations (Good Conduct; Expert Badge Bar; Army Achievement Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Marksmanship M-16 Rifle Bar). He was honorably discharged on January 18, 1990 as a Sergeant. He traveled extensively and continued his service as a reservist. After his discharge from the Army, he was employed at Kraft (General Foods). Upon leaving Kraft, he was then employed at Holt Distributors in Dover, Delaware until it closed. After the closing at Holt Distributors, he relocated to Ben Salem, PA and worked at Abbott & Cobb Distribution as Supervisor until his health started to fail him. He returned to Dover in September 2012, to be with his family and friends. Roy enjoyed modern and professional dancing. He performed under Regina Cooper Dance Company and Ecarte’ Dance Company. Photography was a hobby he loved and enjoyed taking pictures for all the family events. Roy was the baby of the family and was a loving son and brother. He had a strong bond with his mother and would always volunteer to help and assist whenever needed. Roy was preceded in death by his father, his maternal grandparents, three aunts, and one uncle. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis R. Kennedy, three sisters, Cynthia D. Thomas, Sharon Thomas-Gregory and Alica White (Willie) all of Dover; six brothers Marvin E. Thomas, Jr. (Brenda) of Dover, Antonio Thomas (Willette) of Atlanta, GA, Alfred J. Thomas of Dover, Irvin S. Thomas of Seattle, WA, Orlando K. Thomas (Arlene) of Chestertown, MD, and Walter P. Murray, Jr. of Dover. He also leaves behind an Uncle Alphonso Miles (Sylvia) of Dover and an Aunt Eleanor Young of Reading, PA, in addition to a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Roy also leaves his special friends: David Wharf, Renee Harris, Charlene Carter, Royce Organ, Nora Ridgeway, Celeste, Keith, Peter, and Angel.

Roy Murray

September 29, 1964 - September 8, 2012