Rolland Joseph Murray Sr.

Rolland “Rollie” Joseph Murray Sr. of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Covenant Medical Center-Cooper in Saginaw. He was 76 years old. He was born on March 20, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan. His parents were the late Nicanor and Rose (Jaime) Zapata. He was a proud 1967 graduate of Saginaw High School. He met the love of his life, Mary “Val” Velia (Alaniz) Murray, while attending a dance. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on March 7, 1969; she preceded his death on November 3, 2024. He was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He retired from Saginaw Steering Gear after 35 years of service. He also worked as a security guard at Montgomery Ward and K-Mart.

He will forever be remembered for his generous spirit and dedication to his family and friends. You could always rely on him for a helping hand regardless if you were an old friend or a stranger. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and spent hours bragging about them. His favorite hobby was building his music collection. His legacy to his children and grandchildren is his appreciation for his music, reading, and finding the best deals. 

Surviving are children: Rosa (John) Spannagel of Linden; Ruth (Matthew) West of Fairfax, VA; Rolland Murray II of Holly; Sarina Cuevas of Jacksonville, FL; Nicolas Cuevas of Saginaw; grandchildren: Rolland (Kailey) Murray III; Presley Murray; Alexandra Premo; Riley Murray; Benjamin West; Katherine West; Matthew Spannagel; Ricky Cuevas; Jazmine Johnson; Torrance Cox; Tia Cox; Walter Cox; Torry Sessoms; Nick Garcia; Regina Garcia; Ayva Cuevas; and one brother, Joseph (Rayna) Zapata. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Rachael Premo; parents, Nicanor and Rose Zapata; and brothers, William Murray, Frank Murray, Jesse Murray, and Harold Murray.

Friends and family are welcome to visit with the family at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603 on Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm. 

A Funeral Liturgy will occur at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1525 S. Washington Ave. Saginaw, MI 48601. Rolland will lie in state at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. The Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with a luncheon following. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.casefuneralhome.com.