Alexander "Butch" Murray

Alexander Murray, affectionately known as Butch, departed this life on July 24, 2024 at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, Maryland. Butch was born to the late Edward Butler and Ella Mae Murray in Jonestown, Maryland on January 11, 1945. He was also blessed with loving bonus parents, the late Carl and Ida Mae Garfield, who beautifully raised him as their own in Federalsburg, Maryland.

Butch attended grade school in Federalsburg and later attended Lockerman High School in Denton, Maryland where he was well known as a superior athlete on the basketball court. He absolutely loved the game of basketball, and many would say he was definitely the star of his team. After high school, Butch headed to the workforce and began his career as a truck driver, working for Federal Paper and Chemical Company for nearly 40 years.  Because of his strong work ethic and commitment to his responsibilities, Butch never missed one single day of work. It was not until the day he turned 62 years old that he finally called it quits and retired on his birthday.  Butch could proudly say he ended his career with 100% perfect attendance. As a man with a servant’s heart, Butch continued to serve his community throughout his retired years as he was often called upon to drive others to and from their doctor’s appointments, and he did so gladly and without hesitation.

Butch’s greatest joy was the love he had for his family. On August 12, 1972, he married Joan Wretha Sampson, and the two remained husband and wife for 51 years. They would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this upcoming Monday. From their union, two children were born, Alex and Cotina. He also had another daughter, Carolyn, from a previous relationship. More than anything, Butch absolutely adored his family. He selflessly dedicated himself to the happiness and well-being of his wife and children, making every interaction memorable and filled with love. Butch was an excellent provider and always made himself available to help with anything at a moment’s notice.

Butch was always very passionate about sports. In his free time, he could be found spending hours watching football, basketball, and/or baseball. In fact, he would watch just about any sport on television. More specifically, he was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers fan. In good seasons or bad, he always remained faithful to his favorite teams.

An all-around beautiful soul, Butch extended love and positivity to everyone. His warm presence and genuine, kind-hearted nature made a great impact on all those connected to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ella Mae, Carl and Ida Mae Garfield; brothers, Andrew Brooks and Wilbert Murray; sister, Carolyn Murray, and daughter, Carolyn Roberts. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Joan Murray of Federalsburg, Maryland; two children, Alexander Sampson of Federalsburg, Maryland and Cotina Alexandra Murray of Bowie, Maryland; seven grandchildren, Justin Alexander Murray of Washington, D.C., Koby Jones of Bowie, Maryland, Charmaine Smith (Timothy) of Federalsburg, Maryland, Christopher Alexander Nuton and Chenelle Nuton, both of Federalsburg, Maryland, Damirr Alexander Lee of Cambridge, Maryland, SGT Malik Alexander Jones, currently stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas,and five great-grandchildren. Butch is also survived by three siblings, Daniel Murray of Federalsburg, Maryland, Elizabeth Frazier (Leonard) of Stevensville, Maryland, and Dorothy Lewis of Hurlock, Maryland; four sisters-in-law, Doreen Hutcherson of Newark, New Jersey, Peggy Cooper of Raleigh, North Carolina, Phyllis Harris of East New Market, Maryland, and Josie Craft of Federalsburg, Maryland; a cousin, who was more like a sister, Shirley Ann Evans of Federalsburg, Maryland; best friends, Dale Crumble, Fred Crumble, Tyrone Crumble, and Albert Baynard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

With all the respect you deserve, REST IN HONOR, Butch.

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