Farewell for Ray

MORE than 500 people turned out on Monday to farewell Ray Murphy who died suddenly of a heart attack on Wednesday 11 January.
Mr Murphy was a life member and former head trainer of the Nar Nar Goon Football Club, active in Red Cross and Pakenham Fire Brigade volunteer and was involved in numerous Pakenham organisations.
He is survived by his wife Dot, children Brett, Scott and Michelle, and grandchildren Alanah, Jessica, Jemma, Daniel, Mason, Tahj and Maddison.
Mr Murphy’s son Brett said people commented that it was one of the biggest funerals they had seen in Pakenham. “We had over 100 bunches of flowers there and the phone just kept ringing,” Brett said.
His other son Scott said Ray had worked hard all his life, enjoying the mateship that came with it. “He befriended people from all walks of life,” Scott said.
After the service the entourage travelled along McGregor Road and Henty Street to Bald Hill Road, passing former homes and workplaces that held special memories for Ray and his family. The funeral car, along with Mr Murphy’s beloved Jaguar, driven by wife Dot and sister Val, then proceeded through a guard of honour by the junior club members at the Nar Nar Goon Football Club.
The Gazette will feature Mr Murphy’s full obituary next week.