Alan Jude Murley

Alan Jude Murley, 58, of Tampa, Florida, entered into eternal rest August 23, 2024.

He was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, was exceedingly smart, and possessed an encyclopedic memory and exceptional command of the English language. His gentle spirit left an impression with all who knew him.

Alan graduated from Riverview High School in Sarasota, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy from the University of Florida, and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center. He practiced law at then- James, Hoyer & Newcomer, P.A. in Tampa and served as a public defender in Sarasota.

He was a prolific writer. His first work was published while he was in his 20s, and his short stories and novels remain family treasures. As a local television talk show host in Sarasota, Alan interviewed local dignitaries and politicians, honing his interview skills before going into law. As an editor at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, he thrived on polishing grammar and ensuring the readability of the newspaper's content. Intent on understanding the complex history and teachings of Catholic doctrine, Alan faithfully studied the Catechism of the Catholic Church, once reading the entire book into an audio file he could listen to again and again to sharpen his understanding.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth and Robert James Murley; and his brother Brian John Murley. He is survived by his brother David Lawrence Murley; sister Elizabeth Ellen Harmon and her husband Harry Daniel; niece Brooke Maureen McDonald, her husband Douglas Michael, his grand-niece Grace Elizabeth and grand-nephew Bennett Brooks; his nephew Robert Everett Harmon and his wife Claire Elizabeth; his niece Lauren Florence Dunaj and her husband Robert Anthony, his grand-nephew Jack Robert and grand-niece Madelyn Brielle; and his niece Elise Marie Stewart and her husband Morris Bennett, his grand-niece Emma Parker and grand-nephew Bennett Ethan.

The family will celebrate Alan Jude Murley's life and commend him to God's tender mercy and compassion Friday, October 18, in a funeral mass at 2:00 P.M., Our Lady Queen of Angels Chapel, Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.