Michael Charles Murray was born on April 17, 1953, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Herbert and Sally (Hinckley) Murray. He graduated Gull Lake High School and went on to earn his B.A. from Western Michigan University. Michael built a career as a Supervisor in Manufacturing, where he was respected for his work ethic, leadership, and dedication. He passed suddenly on Friday August 22nd, 2025.
On April 22, 1988, Michael married Kim (Vargason) Murray, where they raised two daughters, and went on to share 43 years filled with love, family, friends, and all the ups and downs life brings.
Michael is survived by his wife Kim; Daughters – Samantha (William) Dobbins and Julia Murray; his grandchildren – Olivia, Everly, and Daxton Dobbins, and Genevieve Coman; his siblings Katherine Murray, Stephen (Christine) Murray, and Anne Murray (Michael Annable), along with their children David Annable and Virginia (Drew) Hoyle. He had several cousins that he loved & was close to.
Michael was a voracious reader who loved his family, cooking, traveling, and watching old movies. He was an avid gardener, griller, and fisherman. During his free time, he could be found on Gull Lake with family or watching football. He highly valued giving back to his community through his volunteer work with the Kalamazoo Coalition for the Unhoused, Kalamazoo Mobile Closet and Loaves & Fishes, where he was dedicated to helping others.
Michael will be remembered for his intelligence, warmth, humor, and the love he poured into his family and friends.
Anyone who knew Michael, knew how staunchly he stood for human rights and the welfare of all people. He believed in morality, truth, and taking care of one another in any way possible. He adored NPR, and due to recent issues, was very worried about their funding. So, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to NPR/Michigan Public Radio. https://www.npr.org/donations/support
“Home again, home again, ziggity zag.”
