How do you write about a man who not only left a lasting legacy but also left a deep hole in your heart?

Clay Murray was born in Waukegan, IL. to a very excited couple in 1956. Mel and Dorothy spent those first few years learning how to raise a very spirited little boy. He paved the way for his sister Lynn and brother Tim and quickly became their protector even if it meant to sometimes act like a child himself.

Years passed, Clay met Joyce, who would become the love of his life.

They shared many trials, and like any special relationship it included tests and amazing wins. Together they learned the patience of love and understanding. They learned to struggle together and how to accept things they couldn't control.

They were married in 1976, and he was so proud to claim the bicentennial weekend. A few years later they had their first child. Shannon was born in 1978 and was just as spirited as he was. I'd like to believe God found humor in the often repeated "I hope you have a child just like yourself one day". In 1981, his son Taylor was born. Clay was so proud to have a son to share all his ideas with. His legacy had begun. Something was missing though and in 1983 his baby, Kirsten, was born. Years had taught him to soften and she was exactly what he and Joyce needed to complete their family.

After spending many years as an electrician, he finally found his place at Six Flags Great America.  How many adults get to say they were able to work at a playground doing what they loved? After more than 25 years he retired and bought his home away from home up North, but God had different plans.

Clay found peace with life by finding a deep relationship with God. This relationship helped Joyce and him bond and allowed him to become the warmest man. So many people in his life gained a friend from church, had a neighbor to help fix a light switch, have coffee around a campfire, hang from a roller coaster, or just share memories about the old days. He became a brother to more than his own siblings. Joyce's family included him as their own.

I'd like to believe that when he became a grandfather at forty, he didn't struggle but he then transitioned to his greatest role as Papa. His grandchildren became his greatest pride. There will never be enough ink in a pen or words on paper to fill what he meant to others. There will never be a way to forget a man who gave all he had to others.

I am confident he wasn't afraid when he closed his eyes that last time because of his faith. He closed his eyes and opened them to see God. On October 4, 2024, after a long battle with cancer the world lost a son, a husband, a father, a Papa, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend to many. In return God now has an angel to watch the Buccaneers with on Sunday.

Clay is survived by his wife Joyce Murray, his children Shannon (Steve), Taylor (Lauren), Kirsten (Tim), 12 grandchildren (Christian-27, Carter -23, Ivy- 25, Hadley -19, Alex -18, Alexis -18, Nathan -16, Noah -13, Emily -13, Kinley - 11, Cade -7, and Emori - 5). He is also survived by his mother (Dorothy Murray) and siblings. He now shares Heaven with his father (Melvin Murray) and mother-in-law (Ann Kiehn).

A Family run Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 12, 2024, at 3:00PM at Northbridge Church 18724 IL-173 Antioch, IL.  The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes, WI is honored to serve the Murray family.