GVSU mourns death of West Michigan pastor Dennis McMurray, '85

The Grand Valley community mourns the death of Bishop Dennis McMurray, ’85, senior pastor of the Renaissance Church of God in Christ in Grand Rapids, who died November 2 at age 63.

A native of Muskegon Heights, McMurray established Renaissance Church of God in Christ in 1992, with his wife, E. Jean Lackey-McMurray, ’86, and their three children. 

McMurray earned an associate degree from Muskegon Community College and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Grand Valley. In 2014 he earned a doctorate of divinity from Christian Bible Institute and Seminary in Spring, Texas.

Dennis and Jean McMurray married in 1986 and have remained active Lakers. In 2015, Dennis was recognized as an Alumni of the Year by the Seidman College of Business. In 2019, they represented 1980s alumni at the investiture ceremony for President Philomena V. Mantella.

Mantella called Dennis a strong supporter of youth and education at GVSU and in the community.

“The GVSU community is deeply saddened to learn of Bishop McMurray’s passing; he was a pillar in the West Michigan community," Mantella said. "Dennis was a consummate Laker and often volunteered for alumni and Seidman College of Business events. His presence will be greatly missed, and our hearts go out to Jean, his family and his parish community who will miss him.”

The couple established the Bishop Dennis J. and Dr. E. Jean Lackey-McMurry Academic Achievement Scholarship at Grand Valley to assist students from Ottawa Hills High School who want to attend Grand Valley.