Eric A. Murray
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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Roller-Ballard Funeral Home
306 S. Main
Benton, AR  72015
Thursday, September 3, 2015
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Rosary
Roller-Ballard Funeral Home Chapel
306 S. Main
Benton, AR  72015
Thursday, September 3, 2015
6:00 P.M.


Mass of Christian Burial
Our Lady of Fatima Church
900 W. Cross
Benton, AR  72015
Friday, September 4, 2015
10:30 A.M.
Eric A. Murray

of Alexander, AR

September 25, 1926 - September 1, 2015

Eric A. Murray died at home on September 1, 2015 in Avilla, AR at the age of 88. He was born September 25, 1926 in Birmingham, England to Henry and Henrietta Murray.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Lucy, their four sons Thomas (Elene) of Avilla, AR, Steven (Judy) of Walkerton, IN, Andrew (Kathy) of Dundas, MN, and Jonathan (Donna) of Dousman, WI, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by grandson Tommy.

His hometown was heavily bombed for two years (WWII) during his early years. He worked in a wartime factory as a youth and enlisted in the British Navy at age 17 serving in the European theatre thru the end of the war. He was wounded in Germany. He continued his military service after the war, volunteering for a hazardous Royal Navy underwater search and mine disposal unit. He served in this capacity in the British military operations in Palestine in 1946 and 1947.

Eric left England with one simple suitcase, booking passage on the USS America in late 1948, arriving in New York in January 1949. He was later granted naturalized citizenship. In 1950 he moved to Mishawaka, Indiana and was working at Ball Band (United States Rubber Company, later Uniroyal) when he met Lucy. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka on February 9, 1952. Like many in his generation, Eric received a very modest formal education in England, but continued to be a voracious reader and a faithful correspondent to family and friends his entire life. While largely self taught, he added to his education whenever possible completing several courses at Notre Dame University. In 1990 Eric and Lucy retired to Arkansas, and made a new home near son Tom (Elene).

He was a very active member in his community throughout his life. In his Indiana community he was a leader in the Exchange Club, Friends of The Mishawaka Library, and, most notably for 30 years, The Boy Scouts of America. Providing for the needs of youth was a passion for him. He was a prime mover in the creation of ''The Mishawaka Res'', a youth camp and community natural area he helped preserve from development. He had been the volunteer Ranger of ''The Res'' when it had been a Boy Scout Camp, beginning in 1970. He was a frequent public speaker, sought after for his insights regarding youth development and his immigrant experience. He is well remembered by hundreds of youth for his campfire stories and messages of positive living. In Arkansas, he was a founding member of Saline County Master Gardeners. Cherishing his U.S. citizen's right to vote, he and Lucy worked the polls on election day for many years.

He will be remembered for his lifelong positive outlook on life, his love of the natural world, and living by the motto: ''Do your best, and to yourself be true''.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2015 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton with Father Y.C. Irudayaraj officiating.

There will be a Rosary service at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations, in Eric's memory, to benefit youth, such as ''The Res'', 13950 Scout Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46544.



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19 Condolence(s)
Steve & Rita (Diroll) Bosse
Mishawaka, IN
Liked
Saturday, September 12, 2015

Dear Lucy and Tom, Steven, Andrew and Jonathan and families,

We are so saddened to learn of your loss... Please know our thoughts and our prayers are with all of you. May you be comforted and strengthened by your love and faith and the support of your family and friends. And may Eric rest in eternal peace in the arms of Our Lord.

Our love to all of you,

Steve and Rita (Diroll) Bosse

Scotty& Daveda Van De Putte
South Bend, IN
Liked
Friday, September 11, 2015

Thomas; Your Dad played a important part in my life growing up as a scout .His traits towards all people helped me.I remember all the good times at wood lake and the Fall Conclaves of Order of The Arrow.I'm now teaching a young grandson about the Boy Scouts,He's a tenderfoot.With all my memories about your Dad and Mom and you. Our thoughts an Prayers go out to your Family.
Scott An Daveda Van De Putte

Joe & Mary Ann DeKever
Mishawaka, IN
Liked
Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Dear Family of Eric Murray:

Our sincere sympathies on Mr. Murray's passing.
He has been remembered in our prayers.

Mr. Murray left Mishawaka a great treasure with his work to establish 'The Res' which is a beautiful nature preserve. Without him it might have never happened.

May God grant him eternal peace.

Jean Vander Heyden
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Liked
Monday, September 7, 2015

I am so sorry for your huge loss of your father Andrew and your Father-in-law my dear cousin Kathy, hugs and luv to you all and your family

Tony Norborg
Mishawaka, IN
Liked
Monday, September 7, 2015

Eric has left a great footprint here in Mishawaka. He was a great resource for our family's growing up. A great Scout.

Love from our family

Jeanne Neely
South Bend, IN
Liked
Saturday, September 5, 2015

Lucy - When I saw Eric's picture in this morning's Tribune, it brought back so many fun memories of our lives on Wilshire Drive. I remember you standing on your porch to wave at me as our first baby was delivered and I remember locking myself out of the house while that same baby sat in his highchair awaiting dinner. Eric came to the rescue, climbing in the back window and saving the day. So many fun afternoons with the children floating in Blessing's back-
yard pool... Although Eric has gone home now, having earned an eternity with God, you have your family to sustain you. Be strong, dear Lucy, your friends will never forget.

Catherine Dance
Kalamazoo, MI
Liked
Saturday, September 5, 2015

My condolences to Eric's family. I worked with him at Masland Duraleather late in 1979 or early 1980. I always enjoyed his personality, his stories and his laughter. He also allowed me and a group I worked with at the time to host a retreat at The Rez. Good man who shared resources, wisdom and wit.

Bonnie Schermer
South Bend, IN
Liked
Friday, September 4, 2015

My family remembers Eric with great affection from his years as Ranger of The Res in Mishawaka.

Our Girl Scouts held Day Camp there every summer for many years, and Eric was the great welcoming presence for us, sharing legends of Mishawaka as well as ghost stories.

Thank you, Eric! We will never forget.

Kaye Earney
Bryant,
Liked
Friday, September 4, 2015

Lucy, my prayers are with you and your family for the loss of sweet Eric. May the Lord comfort you as only He can during this very difficult time.

John Perkins
Mabelvale, AR
Liked
Friday, September 4, 2015

Eric will certainly be missed. His friendly, loving spirit was always a plus in every gathering. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lucy and all the family at this time.

Paula
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 3, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jon Meyer and Paula Gartner.

Paula
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 3, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jon Meyer and Paula Gartner.

Mack Johnson
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 3, 2015

Thinking of the family during this time of sorrow.

Janet Elaine Snider Edel
Massillon, OH
Liked
Thursday, September 3, 2015

Eric will certainly be missed at our annual Daugherty reunions.. I grieve with all of your precious family. My love to is sent to all. May God grant you His peace, Elaine, granddaughter of Charlie Daugherty.

Marcia Wilson
Benton, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 3, 2015

Always a twinkle in his eye and the endearing lilt in his voice, our founding Master Gardener has just slipped over the hill to tend the beds beyond our sight......... God bless and keep you Lucy and family.
Love & prayers for peace & comfort.
Marcia Wilson

Jeanne Hynson
Alexander, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Our hearts go out to you, and we will always remember the joyous memories that we are privileged to have in knowing your sweet husband, father and grandfather. Eric leaves behind a wonderful family and I know you will all be a great source of comfort and support to one another. Love from your neighbors, Jeanne and Jim Hynson,

Jean Ann Moles
Benton, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 2, 2015

It was a blessing to have the chance to know Eric. His cheerfulness was contagious and made the world a better place.

Patsy and John Wells
Palestine, WV
Liked
Wednesday, September 2, 2015

I am at a loss for words. I know there is nothing for me to say that will make your loss easier but know that I am sending you my love and support.
"Death leaves a heart ache that no one can heal....but love leaves memories that no one can steal." Love you, Patsy and John

Denise Wallace
Greensboro,
Liked
Tuesday, September 1, 2015

My heart breaks for you all tonight, as you embrace the thought of continuing in this life, changed forever. I pray that you find strength in the promise of eternal life.
With love, -neise