Clifford Arlice Murray

Clifford Arlice Murray, age 89, of New Era went to be with the Lord and all the family and friends who passed before him March 4, 2022.  He was born January 7, 1933 in Thorndale, Pennsylvania to Arlice and Gertrude Murray.

After serving his country in Germany with the US Army, he left Pennsylvania for Michigan and started his career as a Trooper with the Michigan State Police in the Detroit area, serving at many posts throughout Michigan. While providing security at a local AAA office, he met his future wife, Frances Karfonta. They married July 1, 1960 and had two children, many pets, and enjoyed 62 years of marriage before Frances passed away in 2020. In his early years as a Trooper, Clifford was selected to spend time on bicycle patrol on Mackinac Island. He was also privileged to be in the 3rd Michigan State Police dog handler class. Clifford and his dog “Bud” served at the Grand Haven post and once were celebrated for finding a lost child. He completed his career as Lieutenant Detective in the undercover narcotics unit in Detroit in 1980. After his retirement, Clifford and Frances moved back to Nunica. Here they started several businesses, including Ship-N-Shore storage, Boulevard Used Cars Budget Lot, and the Turtle River Wilderness Lodge. They later owned and operated Beak Lake Lodge, a remote fishing camp in Southwestern Ontario Canada. It is here that Clifford and Frances enjoyed their most fulfilling years, spending most summers hosting good fishing and great meals with their many, many friends. During this time, Clifford and Frances built their dream home in New Era, and it is here that they both remained until passing.

Clifford is survived by his sons Jeffery (Mary) Murray of Rothbury and Brad Murray of Lake Barrington (Illinois); grandsons, Clayton and Ryan Murray; sisters, Helen Sipala, Shirley Walton and Fern Knight; sister-in-law, Dianna Murray; brother-in-law, Robert Karfonta; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Frances, and brothers Clarence and Wade Murray.

Please consider memorial donations to  Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Suite 400, Muskegon MI 49441 or Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund, C/O MSTAF, 1715 Abbey Road, Suite B, East Lansing MI  48823 

Cremation has taken place, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The Harris Funeral Home, Shelby Michigan, is in charge of arrangements.

www.harrisfhome.com

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