Alan D. Murray

Alan Douglass Murray of Stephens City, formerly of Danville, died May 24 from complications of ALS.  His wife, Beverly Hile Murray, preceded him in death in January, 2012.  He leaves behind to carry on his legacy a son, Christian G. Murray and wife Bonnie of Danville, VA.,  a daughter,  Heather Murray Powers and husband Alan of Stephens City, VA., and grandchildren Rachelle Whynott, Amelia Powers, and Kaytria Powers.

Alan was a lifelong Presbyterian, and volunteered much time to the church as an elder, a Sunday school teacher, and a leader in the Saturday lunch ministry at Danville Presbyterian.  Music was an important aspect of his life, and as such he sang in church choirs until he was no longer able to do so.  He sang both tenor and bass and loved to be known as bisectional.

Throughout Alan’s life he had a variety of careers.  He worked early on as an editor on Wall Street in NY City. Tired of the commute and hustle and bustle, Alan and Beverly owned and operated the famous restaurant known as the Robbins Nest, as written about in Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Thornton, NH.  After some time as a time-share salesman, he moved to Danville and became a rural mail carrier. After his retirement from the US Postal service, Alan made his passion of writing his next full time job and published several books, two of which are currently at the publisher.

He was a devoted caretaker to many pets throughout the years, taking in strays and donating to several animal welfare organizations.  His Yorkie terrier, Winston, was another child to him and Winston greatly misses his daddy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Sherando Presbyterian Church in Stephens City, VA. at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 4.  Any gifts in remembrance of Alan should be donated to the SPCA or ASPCA.