Harold Murray, 91, of DeLand, passed away on December 9, 2016.

Mr. Murray arrived in DeLand in 1929, with his parents, John and Ella and many brothers and sisters, who are deceased. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Sanson, of Lake Mary, Florida and Jack Murray of DeLand, Florida, sister Colleen Slifker (Mrs. Pete) of Orlando,Florida, as well as several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mr. Murray was pre-deceased by his wife, Jeannette, and sons, Douglas and Andrew.

Mr. Murray established Murray and Sons, LLC, a marine construction business which he co-owned with Jack and worked at until the age of 84. Prior to that, he was a private home builder, commercial fisherman, and welder. Mr. Murray enjoyed hunting, fishing and building boats. It started as a hobby, but ended up with his building barges for his jobs, which later were used to assist law enforcement with boating accidents.

In the service, he was a ship fitter third class. His ship was commissioned on 23 January 1943 into World War II, he received his preliminary training at Bainbridge, Maryland, and was assigned to the destroyer Heywood L. Edwards. He participated in the battles at the Mariannas, Carolines, Saipan-Tinian, Peleliu, Leyte, Surigao Strait, Luzon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa. He and five brothers were in action simultaneously in World War II, making theirs the family with the most military men in combat at the same time in Volusia County. After 23 months in the Pacific, he was honorably discharged, and was returned to the States. He built his own home, developed a farm, and raised cattle throughout his lifetime.

He will be missed by the many family and friends he leaves behind. Viewings will be on Wednesday, 12/14/16 and Thursday, 12/15/16 from 4PM-8PM and the funeral services will be held on Friday, 12/16/16 at 11AM at Lohman's in DeLand. Interment will be at Beresford Cemetery, Deland.

Arrangements under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Deland. Condolences and memories may be shared with Harold's family via this online guestbook.