1913 – 2014

RUMFORD — Earl C. Murray, 100, of 21 Richards Ave., Mexico, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 10, after a one day stay at Rumford Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born at home near Richards Avenue in Mexico, on Dec. 4, 1913, the eldest son of George Thomas and Gertrude Jane Anderson Murray. He attended Mexico public schools and was a member of the Class of 1932. He lived his whole life in the Richards Avenue neighborhood of Mexico.

On Sept. 4, 1938, he married Jennie Anderson of Rumford.

Earl joined Oxford Paper Company’s Rumford Mill in 1932. He worked for this company and it’s successors for 46 years and spent most of his career as foreman in the Maine coated division at this location.

Following World War II, he purchased land to build a summer business on the shores of Worthley Pond in Peru. He built four camps which he rented out, a camping and picnic area, along with a snack bar store. He and his family ran this business as Murray’s Cove for over 60 years.

In the early 1930s, Earl purchased a building on Richards Avenue in Mexico and completely renovated it so that his parents and siblings could have a place to live on the second floor; he reserved the first floor for his wife and soon-to-be growing family.

Earl enjoyed hunting and fishing and watching the Patriots football games. He loved to build things and his grandchildren were often heard saying “Oh don’t worry, Grampa can fix it.” He kept in shape during his later years by remaining as active as he could.

He dedicated himself to providing a solid family environment. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments and loved spending time with them. He valued his spiritual needs and had been an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Rumford.

In 2011, Earl received the Boston Cane Award for being the oldest living resident in the town of Mexico.

He is survived by one sister, Annie Roberts of Mexico; also three children: Roger and wife, Barbara, of South Portland, Kenneth and wife, Jeannine, of Peru, Darlene Taylor of Mexico; eight grandchildren, Eric, Heidi, Holly, Rochelle, Nicki, Lisa, Jennifer and Robert; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Earl was predeceased by his wife of 66 years in 2004. He was also predeceased by his parents; and his siblings, Lola Holmes, Alice Paul, Myrtle Kron and Donald Murray.

Condolences and tributes may be shared with his family at www.wilesrc.com.

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