Darrell James McMurray was born January 1, 1947, in Akron OH to the late Edward and Helen McMurray. Darrell was a lifetime resident of Akron and 1965 graduate of East High School.
While Darrell worked for several companies, Fallsview Psychiatric Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls was where he worked the longest, taking pride in his role as an aide and supporting the patients with mental health needs who are often forgotten about outside of this type of institution. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with degenerative back disease which severely limited his mobility over time and Darrell eventually retired in 2005 due to the disability caused by this illness.
The Lord called Darrell home on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, after battling for many months with the effects of end-stage kidney disease. Darrell’s life is celebrated by his son, Darrell “Tres” McMurray III; stepson, John Kirk; daughter-in-law, Michelle McMurray; grandsons, James and Trey; nieces, Belinda Becton-McAbee, and Anessa Becton-Howard and their husbands, Gary A. McAbee and Joel L. Howard; grandnephews and grandnieces, Monique, Taylor, Marquis, and Masai; and dear friend, James “Bop daddy” Virden.
Darrell is preceded in death by his father, Edward Jackson McMurray; mother, Helen Pearl McMurray; stepmother, Lucille “Fanny” McMurray; sister, Rita Becton; wives, Arlene McMurray and Joyce McMurray; and life partner of 18 years, Michelle Pope.
Though Darrell was not active with a religious community during most of his adult life, he considered himself a spiritual man. In the final months of his life, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and found comfort in the scriptures shared with him by his son and Pastor John, who visited with him regularly at the nursing home where he passed away. Despite living with a disability that often physically disconnected him from the outside world, Darrell never lost his love of life and made a point of remaining in contact with friends and family through regular phone calls, especially on their birthdays. He will be remembered for his love of movies, books and good music, his humor, and the love he had for his family.
Memorial Services will be held Friday, April 19, 2024, 5:00 pm, at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Road, Akron, Ohio 44320.