Gary H. Murray, Sr.

Gary H. Murray, Sr.      “beloved husband, uncle and brother”

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa.---Gary H. Murray, Sr., 69, of Shinglehouse, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, September 21, 2017, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, after a long illness.

Born on July 24, 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was a son of William and Mary Meldrom Murray.  On January 9, 1988 in Port Allegany, he married June M. Kemp, who survives.

Gary was a graduate of Hereford High School.  He was a GM mechanic for several area dealerships and later became a self-employed gunsmith for 30 years, owning and operating Gary’s Gunnery in Shinglehouse.

Gary was a member and past council president of Bethel Lutheran Church in Portville. He was a lifelong member of the NRA and was a founding member and past president of the former Oswayo Valley Lions Club in Shinglehouse. He was a member and past board member of the Emporium Country Club and for several years he was the organizer for the yearly Shinglehouse Open golf tournament. Gary was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, bowler, and golfer. He enjoyed hunting and camping. 

Surviving besides his wife are his beloved grandnephew and gun shop partner, Kyle C. Rice of  Ulysses;  five siblings, John (Marlene) Murray of Lebanon, Peggy (Royston) Cole of Pennsylvania, Lynn Hoy and Wendy Swift, both of Maryland, and Bonnie Starck of Hanover; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by a son, Gary H. Murray, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to call from 5 to 6pm on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the Bethel Lutheran Church, 79 Brooklyn Street, Portville, N.Y. where a celebration of Gary’s life will follow at 6pm with the Rev. Marie Meeks, pastor, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church, 79 Brooklyn Street, Portville, NY 14770 or to the Potter County Baptist Church, Eleven Mile Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Gary’s family has entrusted his care to the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Gary, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com