Joseph "Joey" Francis Murray, 60, a lifelong resident of Blairsville, left this world in the arms of his family at the Indiana Regional Medical Center to be with Jesus on Wednesday, February 3, 2009.The son of Howard J. Murray Sr. and Elizabeth "Betty" (Lipsie) Murray, he was born at home on March 13, 1948.He grew up at home surrounded by his loving family members. His brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces and adoring neighborhood friends. He led a gentle, loving life and was an example of patience and extraordinary faith to all that knew him. Many former children of Blairsville will recall spending lazy summer afternoons with Joey under the huge, shady tree at McGillick Park.He was a member of the first special education class in the Blairsville School District that was instituted by his mother and other dedicated parents from the Blairsville area. After the death of his parents, Joey lived under the care of his devoted sister, Barbara and her husband, Tom. In his later years, Joey particularly enjoyed monthly gatherings with his dear friends of "Love and Light." He dearly loved his pets, spending time at the family farm in Clarksburg, drawing, reading, listening to music, playing volleyball, holidays, birthday parties and family picnics.Surviving are his sisters and brothers, Barbara Duffner of Blairsville; Patricia Taylor of Chapel Hill, NC; Howard J. Murray Jr. and wife, Juanita of Blairsville; Thomas Murray and wife, Bonnie of Johnstown and Dr. Michael Murray and wife, Jennifer of Chapel Hill, NC. Joey also leaves behind his nephews and nieces, Dr. Michael Garmon and wife, Nancy of Latrobe; Elizabeth Garmon of Ben Avon; Suzanne Rebman and husband, John of Clovis, New Mexico; Howard Murray of Derry; Laura Garmon of Pittsburgh; Dianna Taylor and husband, Ben Fambrough of Cleveland, OH; Matthew Garmon of Blairsville; Barbara Taylor Davis and husband, Dwain of Durham, NC; Robert Garmon and wife, Chrissie of Monongahela; Elizabeth Murray and husband, Nate of New York; Tavis Murray of Pittsburgh; Ryan Murray of Chapel Hill, NC and Kristen Murray of Indianapolis, IN; great nieces and nephews, Daniel and goddaughter, Elisabeth Rebman, Kevin and Brooke Garmon, Anna Barbara Sabilla and great-great niece, Nicana Garmon and Paula Bell, formerly of Blairsville, his dearest and lifelong friend.He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Thomas Duffner and David Taylor.The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 P.M. Friday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, Inc., 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA where a Wake service will be held at 8:30 P.M. Friday. A funeral Mass to celebrate Joey's life and homecoming will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Saturday at the SS Simon & Jude Roman Catholic Church, Blairsville, PA with Fr. Chester J. Raimer as celebrant.Interment will be in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville,
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