Vernon S. ‘Smitty’ Murray, loved his racehorses

Vernon S. "Smitty" Murray, 79, of Frankford, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017, at Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro. Smitty was born in Frankford, July 3, 1937, son of the late Vernon O. and Bertha (Hudson) Murray.

He was a graduate of John M. Clayton High School in Frankford.

Smitty was a standardbred race horse trainer and was partners with his brother-in-law, Gerald Moore Sr. with Moore & Murray Stables in Frankford.

He was a member of Frankford United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir and would maintain the landscaping around the church as well as other places. He was also a charter member and past master of Delaware Lodge No. 37 A.F. & A.M. in Dagsboro, 1976, a past master of Doric Lodge No. 30 A.F. & A.M. in Millville, 1985, and 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Smitty loved his race horses, especially Valid Sam, Valid Vern and Big A. He was an avid train collector and also repaired them for others. He enjoyed gardening and his purple martins immensely.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Murray; his brother-in-law, Gerald Moore Sr.; a nephew, Ricky Murray; and a niece, Maryann Moore. He is survived by his sister, Marion Moore of Frankford; two nephews, Gerald Moore Jr. and his wife Tina of Frankford, and Keith Murray and his wife Darnell of Frankford; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Ann Murray of Frankford.

A Masonic service followed by a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 22, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Smitty's name to the Frankford United Methodist Church, PO Box 37, Frankford, DE 19945.

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.