Michael Eugene Murray

Mike died today, Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at age 64. I won't lie to you and tell you I fought a courageous battle with cancer. I am not really sure anyone does. You start out strong with some good news, then you get some not so good news, then you get the bad news. Dying is not easy when you seem to be pretty healthy, but you know you are waiting for the time line to end. I think the hardest part of this is on the family and friends that have to go through it. But in the end, I believe you have to play the hand you are dealt.

Born and raised in Raleigh to Dan and Barbara Murray, both deceased, one of three boys-- older brother Wayne of Knightdale, and little brother Dickie and wife Jackie of Raleigh. Good-bye brothers. I love you and ya'll hang in there.

Attended Millbrook from elementary school through high school and graduated in 1967. Joined the Raleigh Fire Department in 1971. Retired as a Captain. A very honorable profession. I'll say goodbye to all my old Raleigh friends and fire department buddies. A thanks and goodbye to the Millbrook friends who posted their encouragement and well wishes for Vicki and me.

Married my high school sweetheart, Vicki Stephens, in 1971. We have been married for 42 years. Some of you may wonder how did she do that. Well, she was tough and I thank her and love her for it. We had two sons, Michael and Nicholas. They are both Raleigh Fireman. I don't need to say much about them. If you don't know them, ask someone who does. I am very proud of you boys and I love you. Goodbye  and take care of your Mom. I probably didn't spend as much time with you boys when you were young because of working two and three jobs, but that doesn't matter because the times I remember are when we were all grownups hanging out at the waterfront. We would talk junk and do whatever we wanted to and come home when we felt like it. We weren't father-sons as much as we were buddies.

Vicki and I moved to Morehead City in 2008. We met some of the best and most genuine friends anyone could want. I wasn't there as long as I would have wanted to be, but I hope Vicki and I left a small imprint on Morehead and made it a better place.

I would like to say a special thanks and goodbye to all my Morehead friends and especially to my good friends at Raps, Sammy's, Chef's 105, and Mythos. You all were the best.

Vicki, I hate to leave you this early, but as they say in Morehead, " it is what it is." We had a good life and accomplished a lot together. We raised two great sons and had lots of friends in Raleigh and Morehead. We had and did mostly what we wanted to do and it was a great trip and fun. I'll say goodbye and I love you and if that Rainbow Bridge is out there, I will find it and Lady and I and the rest of the gang will be there waiting for you. Love ya, Mike.

Visitation Munden Funeral Home, Morehead City, Wednesday, October 9, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Private family burial at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Carteret County PO Drawer 1619 Morehead City, NC 28557 or Raab Clinic 302 Medical Park Dr. Morehead City, NC 28557.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. of Morehead City.

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