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Shooting Spree Leaves Alabama Firefighter/EMT Without Wife, Son and Two Family Members
Lance Griffin
Dothan Eagle, Ala.
Mar. 13--SAMSON -- It was going to be a great weekend for the Wise family.
Murray and Tracy Wise would have celebrated their 18th anniversary on Sunday. Their simple, private celebration may have included pleasant memories of the past 18 years such as their last family vacation to Gatlinburg, or all the way back to 1990, when Tracy quit school in the 10th grade to marry the man she loved.
For Murray and his 15-year-old son, Dean, the weekend would extend into Monday, the first day of turkey season.
Fund Established
According to WTVY, Murray was a volunteer with the Samson Rescue Squad as well as the local fire department. The squad set up a special account at: Samson Banking Company Inc., 2 West Main St, Samson, AL 36477.For more information about the fund, you can contact Melissa Stinson at 334-248-3663.
According to WTVY, Murray was a volunteer with the Samson Rescue Squad as well as the local fire department. The squad set up a special account at: Samson Banking Company Inc., 2 West Main St, Samson, AL 36477.For more information about the fund, you can contact Melissa Stinson at 334-248-3663.
They loved to hunt. Even before Dean was old enough to hunt, father and son would go into the woods, sit and watch. They would try to remain quiet, but sometimes Dean and Murray would talk about Alabama football. A full day without a deer or turkey kill was never a wasted day for the two.
But Murray Wise is planning funerals today instead of anniversary celebrations and hunting trips and wondering why a crazed gunman would take away his family.
Wise stood outside his home Thursday afternoon, less than 30 yards from where Michael McLendon shot and killed his wife and son Tuesday in a crazed killing spree. He said he can still stand only because of the prayers of friends and strangers. Still, he literally clings to his sisters for support.
"The 15 years I had with my son and the 18 years I had with Tracy were good, but I need more," he said.
"I'm lost without (Tracy). She kept me alive."
Tracy Wise was simply known as "Tator" to the Samson community, and everyone knew her. To Murray, Tator had the strongest will in southeast Alabama. After quitting school in the 10th grade, she acquired her GED and put herself through law school at the University of Alabama. She later became the town's magistrate and struck fear into the hearts of the town's lawbreakers.
"People were afraid of her if they had to go in front of her because they knew she would put them in jail," Murray Wise said.
Murray Wise was working just below the state line in Florida on Tuesday when he received the call that buckled his knees and crushed his world.
"I just broke down," he said. "I couldn't stand up."
He will bury his wife and son Tuesday in Samson. He plans to establish a scholarship fund in the name of Dean Wise for deserving local students.
"I want their names to be in this community for as long as I'm around," he said.
Related
Copyright 2009 The Dothan Eagle
The Dothan Eagle (Alabama)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
To see more of The Dothan Eagle or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.dothaneagle.com. Copyright (c) 2009, Dothan Eagle, Ala. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Frederick on
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There is no way I can relate to what you are going through but I pray for you and your family and hope knowing that GOD will keep you in his arms through this trying time will help to see you through this terrible ordeal. GOD BLESS you and your family.
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Permalink Reply by kris on
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i couldnt even begin to feel what pain he has right now.
i hope this guy was caught.
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Permalink Reply by Wes on
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Sincerest condolences to Mr Wise and the rest of the family. May God be watching over you all. Oor prayers are with you. A loss like this I cannot imagine; a tragic reminder how valuable every moment with my family is.
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Permalink Reply by Dave Gould on
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, community and the responders. We'll never know why people do these acts, but we can pray for each other. God Bless!!
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Permalink Reply by Willie Townsend on
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My heart and prayers goes out to the family. Sorry for your loss. May GOD keep you strong.
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Permalink Reply by Clayton Aldridge on
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May God blees you Mr. Wise. I am from north west Alabama so i do know what toll has been taken in this violent act. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless!
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Permalink Reply by John L. VanAuken on
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I am at a loss for words, I wish him a prayer and may God be with him in his time of loss.
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Permalink Reply by rescuediver1122 on
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! May god be with you ! Stay strong brother
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Permalink Reply by Muriel on
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Oh how awful....may Tracy and Dean R.I.P....and Murray and family you have my sincerest sympathy,what a nightmare...Cherish the memories and celebrate their lives...Ths scholarship in Deans name is a wonderful way to remember him...
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Permalink Reply by Tim Wood on
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NO ONE SHOULD GO THROUH SUCH A HORRIBLE THING . Prayers and love from Ohio
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It says that the Wise family lost 2 other family members...but it does not mention their relationship so he not only lost his wife,son he lost 2 others...God be with that dear family...
p.s. was the murderer apprehended? or did he save a bullet for himself?
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Permalink Reply by jeremy( THE AXE ) on
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss!! You and your family are in my prayers. Jeremy Neely KFD Firefighter/EMT
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