Rodney B. Murray, 82, of Boothbay, passed away comfortably with family by his side on June 8 after having a stroke and a brief stay at St. Andrews Hospital.
Rodney was born in Boothbay Harbor on Oct. 18, 1926, the son of Richard and Ina Delano Murray. He attended Boothbay Harbor High School, graduating in 1944.
After graduation, Rodney joined the Army as a paratrooper from Jan. 8, 1945 until his honorary discharge on Nov. 21, 1946.
After he served his country, he obtained a degree in Forestry from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1950.
On Dec. 25, 1950, he married Joyce E. Adams of Boothbay.
Rodney worked as the parts manager at Leavitt’s Garage in Boothbay and later was the head maintenance supervisor for the Boothbay Region schools and retired in 1988. While holding these jobs, Rodney and his wife also owned and operated Highmeadows Cottage in Boothbay. They sold Highmeadows to the YMCA in 1985 (now the current location of the YMCA’s Camp Knickerbocker).
Rodney loved the outdoors. He achieved great pride in the well-manicured grounds around his home. At the age of 82, he still cut and processed all of his firewood for heating his home, enjoying every minute of his time outside. As a youth, he played all sports and still enjoyed watching sports on TV. As a young boy, he caddied at the local golf course which sparked his interest in golf. He played golf throughout the summer months and gained many close friendships with his golfing buddies. He was able to share his love of golfing with his son-in-law and grandson. He and Joyce traveled to many sporting events that his grandchildren participated in.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Adams Murray of 58 years; two daughters, Victoria Brackett and husband Carl of Dover-Foxcroft, and Janet Lincoln and husband Dave of Sarasota, Fla.; two grandchildren, Adam Brackett and wife Beth of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and Megan Brackett Kemp and husband Jeremy of Sangerville; two step-grandsons, Derek and Justin Lincoln of Sarasota, Fla.; three great-grandchildren, Lazar Brackett of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and Hunter and Abrielle Kemp of Sangerville; brother, Richard Murray of Winthrop; sister-in-law, Judith Pinkham and husband Owen; long time family friend, Stanley “Swing” Lewis, all of Boothbay; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Per Rodney’s request, there will be no visiting hours or funeral. Graveside service for family and close friends 9 a.m., Sat., June 27 at the Oaklawn Cemetery, Boothbay Harbor, with Rev. Sarah Foulger officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 170 U.S. Rt. 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105 or the Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church, P.O. Box 641, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home, Boothbay.
