John L. Murray

John spent his childhood years in Wyandotte, Michigan playing sports (a lot of baseball) and building lifelong friendships! John met and married Gloria Frakes at Eastern Michigan University 66 years ago. They were transferred to Jacksonville, Florida with Fruehauf Trailer Company in 1963. Within eight years, they were totally blessed with five children: Dawn Turner (Craig) of Maryland, Kevin Murray of Oklahoma, Kelly Porter (Jim), Todd Murray, Blake Murray (Jennifer) all of Jacksonville. He has a grand total of thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

John was a proud business owner, having started his company, General Truck Equipment, in 1972, and was active in it for fifty-one years. It continues today. He was past president of the National Truck Equipment Association and was involved in the industry all of those years. He has many friends across the country who are also involved in this industry.

John was an avid baseball fan (Boston Red Sox) and football fan (San Francisco Forty-Niners and University of Michigan Wolverines). He played baseball all through college as a catcher for Eastern Michigan. John enjoyed skiing, golfing, scuba diving, sports and music trivia, and traveling! His favorite trips were African Safaris and trips to see all of the major league baseball parks. He was always ready for another adventure.

As a retiree, he spent much time reading lengthy biographies and trying his hand at crossword puzzles. He enjoyed camaraderie with family, neighbors, and friends, continuing to regale each visitor with amusing anecdotes.

John enjoyed social groups, the Good Guys and P.O.E.T.S. He had been a member of Southside Methodist Church for sixty years and taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, and served on various boards.

John sat on the board of Goodwill Industries for 40 years. He also sat on the board of Clarke School for Hearing and Speech. He supported North Florida School of Special Education, Happy Brew Coffee Shop and had a big heart for those in need.

John was a people person. He would likely start a conversation with anyone, any time, anywhere. He had many stories to tell.

A visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Mandarin at 11801 San Jose Blvd on Wednesday, June 5, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A private family service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday morning at Mandarin Cemetery with Pastor Dale Tedder, of Southside Methodist Church, officiating.

Memorials may be made to Southside Methodist Church, North Florida School Of Special Education, Clarke School of Hearing and Speech or an organization of your choice.