Carleton E. Murray

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Carleton E. Murray, 89, died at his daughter's home surrounded by his family on Aug. 11, 2010, in North Kingstown, R.I. He was the son of Fred A. Murray and Bessie Bell Bettinger Murray. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth H. Murray, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born on June 26, 1921, in Syracuse, N.Y., he lived in Syracuse and Fayetteville for 54 years before moving to Cape Cod with his wife in 1984. A graduate of Nottingham High School, he served three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps, retiring as a captain in 1946. During his period of service he attended the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command at Yale University.

Upon discharge from service, he worked with his father and brothers in the family business, Fred A. Murray Trucking. He and his brothers, Fred and Robert, eventually acquired the Carleton G. Whitaker Inc., which grew to be the largest transporter of cultured dairy products in New York State, with additional services in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. Carleton was the corporate treasurer. He also served as President of the New York State Trucking Association.

After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively, visiting 49 out of the 50 states, with visits to friends across the country. He enjoyed carpentry and woodworking and spent much time refurbishing old houses and helping friends and neighbors.

Carleton is survived by his three children, Ann Ganung and her husband James of North Kingstown, R.I., and Lynn C. Murray and Karen Murray Cady, both of Salem, Mass.; three grandchildren, Susan Tremblay and her husband David of Providence, R.I., Emily Darby and her husband Benjamin of Middletown, Del., and Carleton Ware Cady of Salem, Mass.; and four great-grandsons, Henry, Jack, Marcus and Nicholas. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert E. Murray of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Betty M. Scheding and Donna M. Trowbridge, both of Syracuse, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Fairchild & Meech Dewitt Chapel, 3690 Erie Blvd. East, DeWitt, N.Y. Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Fairchild & Meech. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made in his name to the Hospice of the Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island, 6 Blackstone Valley Place, Suite 515, Lincoln, R.I. 02865.

For online messages of condolence, please visit www.CranstonMurphy.com.