Claude Neal Murray, 87, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Haven Hospice, Roberts Care Center, Palatka.  A native of Titusville, FL, he was the son of Walter and Canara Murray, born on Monday, June 26, 1933. He was one of ten children in the family.  Claude was educated in the Broward County FL School District at Hallandale High School. He was a former longtime resident of Hollywood, FL before him and his wife retired and relocated to Palatka.  He was a retired Supervisor at Carolina Freight.  Claude was an entrepreneur who was owner/operator of Murray Trucking, Inc., and Murray's Seafood  "You Buy, We Fry."   SP3 Murray was a U.S. Army veteran who earned the National Defense Service and Good Conduct Medals before attaining an honorable discharge at Fort Jackson, SC. Claude was a master chef and loved to go fishing.  In addition to his parents; daughter, Sheila; and seven of his siblings preceded him in eternal rest.

He leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife of 62 years, Wylean Murray; loving children, Elane Murray; Claude Neal Murray, Jr.; Raymond (Cynthia) Murray; Wendy (Golan) Masum; Jermaine (Kenique) Murray; and Javata Murray; loving grandchildren, Raymond Jr.; Donell; Desmond, Jamar; and Ma'Kala; and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sisters, Truella Forman, Betty Jean Murray; brother, Earl (Bertha) Murray; nieces and nephews, including special nephews, Jack (Betty) Durden, Minister Lee A. Johnson, Pastor Stanley Moore; loving godson, Latrevious Cleveland; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (including required masks) a socially-distanced visitation will be from 4-6 p.m., Saturday, April 10 at Mt. Tabor First Baptist church, 4909 St. Johns Avenue. Celebration of Claude's Life with military honors will be 2 p.m., Sunday, April 11 at Mt. Tabor.  His nephew, Rev. Stanley Moore, Pastor, Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Swainsboro, GA, is the eulogist.  His pastor, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, officiating.  Interment will be 10 a.m., Monday, April 12 at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.