Dr. Carl Richard Martray

Dr. Carl Richard Martray, age 79, a resident of Elberta, Alabama, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Martray and Florence Shipley Martray. Carl is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Donna Martray, daughters Lauri (Chris) Turner of Perdido Key, FL, and Nicole (Michael) Talley of Bowling Green, KY; grandson Colton Turner of Boca Raton, FL; brother Ken (Delores) Martray of Connellsville, PA; brother Joe Martray of Wellsburg, WV; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and many other loving relatives and friends. Dr. Martray led a greatly successful life as a father, husband, educator and mentor to many. Whether in the field of academics, athletics, or guidance towards kindness and decency, Carl was selfless and giving to all who were lucky enough to know him. Simply put, Carl was a role model, exemplifying how to strive for success without sacrificing integrity and character. Carl graduated from Connellsville High School in 1961 and went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Fairmont State College, where he also played football. Later in his studies, he was awarded a NDEA fellowship at the University of Alabama, where he finished his Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Counseling. For 47 years, Carl devoted his career to quality education for students of all ages. He served as the Dean of the College of Education at multiple respected institutions, including Western Kentucky University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Mercer University. In addition, he was named an Honorary Sesquicentennial Professor at the University of Alabama. Following his retirement from the field of education, Carl spent the last ten years of his life with his beloved wife Donna relaxing, travelling, and enjoying the Gulf Coast of Alabama. A memorial mass will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Elberta, Alabama, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the mass in the Church Hall. In remembrance of Carl’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the University of Alabama’s Scholarship Fund (https://give.ua.edu), the Snook Family Y.M.C.A. in Foley, Alabama (251-970-3003; 2560 S Pine Street, Foley AL 36535), or to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 2551 SOUTH MCKENZIE STREET FOLEY, AL 36535 (251) 943-2391 www.wolfefuneralhomes.com