Charles “Chuck” McMurry, Bay View, WI

Charles “Chuck” McMurry from Bay View, WI was called to eternal peace on Wednesday July 22, 2020 at the age of 67 years.

Beloved husband of Elizabeth (Tyborski) for 48 years. Loving father of Christopher and Sheryl (Rich) Fronek.

Proud “PaPa” of Dana, Taylor, Ashlee and Cooper. Dear brother of Nancy (Lee) Brown and Patrick (Gail). Brother-in-law of Mary Ann Kaminsky, Geri Bucklin, and Ken (Ellen) Tyborski.  Further survived by other relatives and many wonderful friends.

Chuck grew up in Jacksonville, FL. He served in the US Navy 1971-1977 as a Second Class Boiler Technician on the USS Albany CG10. The Albany was homeported in Mayport, FL, Philadelphia, PA, Norfolk, VA and Gaeta, Italy.

As a civilian, he worked as a boiler attendant at Lutheran hospital and also at the 440th TAW air force base. He then went on to work at the Silver Spring Army base and Griffin Services on the R&U maintenance team maintaining the heating and air conditioning at army reserve bases throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Once he retired, he took up woodcarving to make toys for the grandkids. He was known as “The Top Man” at the folk fair and various craft fairs in the area, he was the owner and designer of GyreToys. He always had on his Blue Jean bib overalls with a smile ready to educate the people attending his display stands. He would tell them about the wood he used, how the top was made, and he’d show them how to use and care for the Tops. He created pirouette Tops as well as Tippy Tops, all personally carved and some even painted by hand. There are many of his videos on youtube for viewing if you search “Gyretoys” so you can enjoy his work. He sold his Tops on eBay, at Cedarburg Toys and at craft fairs. One of his tops was used as a prop in a broadway play and several have been sent to people across the world.

He loved wood working and was an active member in the “Milwaukee Area Woodturners” group. He made various things from wood for anyone who asked or gave him a challenge. He was still a kid at heart in many ways and carried his tops with him everywhere we went. He made many friends, showing off his amazing work.

He had many interests including computers, gardening and chatting with friends about anything and everything! Chuck’s greatest joy in life was watching his children and grandchildren grow, along with watching all of their activities. He was very proud of his family and so amazed by their accomplishments. Additionally he loved traveling to visit family and friends around the US, all while spending time with the love of his life and amazing wife Liz.

A private Military Service will be held at Union Grove Veterans Cemetery on August 20, 2020 at 10 am. The military service will be recorded and available for viewing. Masks are required if attending in person and space is limited, please contact the family for more information.