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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 Gordon "Gopher" Runer on
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The whole ordeal can only be described as a tragedy. A local sheriff's deputy also lost his wife and 18 month old daughter. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims and their families. Here is a link to an article about each of the victims: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29642986/
Gopher
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Permalink Reply by rudebutcool on
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another reason to get a concealed carry permit and a weapon...in Alabama it isn't difficult to get one..I have not been harrassed or mugged, but it happens like this...it gives a person a chance...evens the odds some, and ends these horrendous incidents quicker...I now carry almost every day, and it is a habit same as my cell phone to pocket my weapon...it may sound over the top, but...its your life and your family's lives at stake...stay safe...
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Permalink Reply by Chris on
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My sincere sympothy goes out to the family friends and comunity. This is a horible travisty that has happened. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those involved.
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Permalink Reply by patricia mccarty on
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Lord, Murray; I don't know what to say. God bless you, for the ultimate sacrifice. I swear I believe there are angels watching over us. I know and believe Tracy and Dean are there, still loving you; and looking out after you, and all of us.
I am so sorry, my brother. KNOW God has them wrapped in his arms. Much much love and hugs to you, Murray. May God grant you Peace knowing they served him well, and loved YOU, dearly.
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Lord, Murray; I don't know what to say. God bless you, for the ultimate sacrifice. I swear I believe there are angels watching over us. I know and believe Tracy and Dean are there, still loving you; and looking out after you, and all of us.
I am so sorry, my brother. KNOW God has them wrapped in his arms. Much much love and hugs to you, Murray. May God grant you Peace knowing they served him well, and loved YOU, dearly.
Much love from all of us... to you.
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I pray that God gives you strength in this time of need, and I'm deeply sorry for your great loss. I couldn't imagine if I lost my wife and kids. I don't get why things happen like this...
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Permalink Reply by Alan on
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones in this senseless act. Also, to the other members of the communities who were affected.
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Permalink Reply by Trey on
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From one Alabama firefighter to another. You have my deepest condolences Mr Wise. Brewton Fire Dept will have you in our prayers.
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Permalink Reply by Don Hughes on
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My Family and I are prayers go out to the Wise family and to his community to this tragic loss. May God comfort him and give him peace in his time of great loss.
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Permalink Reply by DIANE DALBERTO on
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Please try to stay strong through this and reach out to all your friends and family for love and support - and your friends on here - we're praying for you and your family....our hearts are with you...
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