Richard Tyler Murray
Richard Tyler Murray, 84, of Rotonda West, Fla., formerly of Butler, passed away Saturday.
He is survived by his loving wife, Tamara Zoe Murray; his beloved daughters, Sherry Ann Worstell (Jeff) of Marysville, Ohio, Tracy Lynn Hack and Elaine Marie Foguth (Jim) of Butler; his stepdaughter, Melissa Zoe Barlow of Annville; his stepson, Brady Garth Hood of Shrewsbury; his 14 grandchildren; his three great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Marion Murray of Butler; his three nieces; and his nephew.
He was preceded in death by his brother, George W. Murray.
Tyler was born in Butler on Feb. 21, 1930, the son of the late Hazel Shrake Murray and George W. Murray Sr.
He graduated from Butler High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. Part of his service time was aboard the USS Wasp-CV18.
Following the Navy, he was hired by Armco, which later became AK Steel. He began in the Strip Shears Department and retired in 1990 as superintendent of processing maintenance.
He served as president of the Armco Management Club from 1979 to 1980. As a member of Armco Country Club, he served on the board and was an avid golfer, known for his strict adherence to the rules. He arranged annual golfing trips to Myrtle Beach for 20 years for 20 fellow golfers.
He enjoyed hiking and did several weeklong hikes on the Appalachian Trail as well as other shorter hiking trails. He loved dancing. He and his wife, Tammee, were members of the Butler Two-Steppers. Biking was another of his favorite activities and in 2002 at the age of 72, he completed a 150 mile, two-day bike ride from Butler to Meadville to Erie, to raise money for multiple sclerosis research.
A history buff who had a special interest in the Civil War, he visited many different battlefields over the years. To accompany him was to enjoy your own private tour-guide, as he knew all of the generals and their strategies from reading and studying countless books and maps.
He was a member of the Argyle Lodge 540 in Chicora and served as master in 1961. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living past master of the lodge.
He was a cancer survivor for 32 years, having fought three bouts with the disease in his lifetime. Tyler gifted his body for anatomical scientific study, medical research and education. He hoped that he might benefit future generations in some small way.
In Rotonda West, he belonged to the Neighborhood Watch and was a member of the American Legion Post 113.
He loved poetry and will be well-remembered by many of his friends for his recitation by memory of “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service. On his 80th birthday, he delighted party-goers with a full rendition.
To quote one of his favorite poems: “Oh Captain, my captain, our fearful trip is done.”
Heartfelt gratitude to Tidewell Hospice and all who helped him to make a smooth, peaceful passage. Farewell to an extraordinary human being, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
Murray — There are no public arrangements for Richard Tyler Murray, who passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014.
