Mukundray V. Patel
Mukundray V. Patel of Chelsea, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on 10/19/2025, at the age of 78. He was surrounded by love and the warmth of his family during his final moments.
Born on July 20, 1947, in Nikora, Gujarat, India, Mukundray was the son of the late Varadbhai and Kashiben Patel. His early years in India shaped him into a person of deep spirituality and a passion for knowledge.
Mukundray earned his Bachelor of Science from Anand Agricultural College in 1968. He earned a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Mississippi State University in 1972. In 1974, Mukundray began his career as a Plant Pathologist with Mississippi State University’s Cooperative Extension Service, where he worked until his retirement in 2000. In that same year, Mukundray and his wife, Hasumati, moved to Forest, Mississippi, where they ventured into the motel business, a new chapter of their lives that they both enjoyed immensely.
In 2021, Mukundray was diagnosed with Frontotemporal aphasia, a condition that ultimately led to his retirement. In September 2022, he and Hasumati relocated to Chelsea, Alabama, where they embraced a peaceful retirement, surrounded by the beauty of their family and close friends.
Mukundray is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Hasumati M. Patel; his daughter, Nina M. Sunder, and son-in-law, Sanjay Sunder, of Allentown, Pennsylvania; and his cherished grandson, Nikhil S. Sunder, of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by his siblings: Narendra V. Patel (Champaben N. Patel) of Jacksonville, Florida; Chandrakant V. Patel (late Ushaben C. Patel) of Zadeshwar, Gujarat, India; Kapilaben V. Patel (Vipinchandra K. Patel) of Daboi, Gujarat, India; and Daksha B. Patel (Bupendra C. Patel) of Detroit, Michigan. Mukundray will also be remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him deeply.
Mukundray was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Vipin V. Patel.
A funeral service to honor his memory will be held at Charter Funeral Home, 2521 US Highway 31, Calera, AL 35040 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 12:00 pm with a cremation to follow. The family welcomes all friends and family to attend and celebrate Mukundray’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Birmingham, 2131 Lorna Ridge Lane, Birmingham, Alabama 35216 in Mukundray’s memory.
Nina, I love this obituary that you have composed.
Mukund was a man of few words. What I have learned about him is mostly from you and Hasu.
I am so grateful to Mukund and Hasu that they have raised you to be strong and independent. Although he was spiritual and deeply religious, he never chose to force his way on us. He loved to drive endless hours. He loved his pickup Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. So while I am thankful that he gave it to us, it’s also sad that his disease prevented him from driving it the last few years.
I will fondly remember all the time he spent with Nikhil, he used to take him fishing somewhere in Forest. Nikhil loved going out with him, just being out and about and bonding with his grandaddy.
This is a celebration of his life, so I am personally taking this as an opportunity to appreciate all the wonderful things he did for us as a family and to many of his wonderful friends everywhere.
Jai Swaminarayan.
Sanjay Sunder
Hasu, Nina, Sanjay, and Nikhil. Our sincerest condolences to you.
Mukund was a big brother to many of us in Starkville, during our time at Mississippi State University.
With a ready smile he stepped to help, without being asked.
Rest in Peace, Mukund. You’ll be missed.
Mukund Uncle & Hasu Aunty were by my side when I got pregnant while studying at Mississippi State University. Hasu Aunty took me to my doctor’s appointments, fed me and Mukund Uncle used to make me Handvo every week. I spent so much time at their home, and they would keep me entertained playing cards with us. Mukund Uncle enjoyed a good game of cards then, keeping score of every card, point and his satisfied smile at winning.
During the challenging time in Mississippi, Mukund Uncle would encourage me to keep a positive mind and did everything to keep my spirits uplifted during those years. I remember him as a very insightful, hard working, kind and generous human being willing to be of service for anyone in need. He will be always remembered as a role model for us for our conduct towards others in the community. Wishing him a peaceful journey to the Hari Dhaam.
Losing a parent is like losing a piece of ourselves..
Please accept my deepest condolences Nina ..
“I will always cherish the memories I have of him. He will be deeply missed.”
“I’ll never forget the kindness and warmth of your father.”
“Thinking of you as you celebrate his life. He touched so many of us.”
Jai Swaminarayan 🙏
Mukundbhai was an wonderful friend, a family man, a mentor, and remains an exceptional soul who is now residing with the lord.
I remember fondly him giving me a first insight in the college football team and how they work! He was passionate about Mississippi state univ. I learned that when I moved to Mississippi and told him I am Living in Oxford (MS) ~ the home of Ole Miss and He had shared some kind words for Ole Miss (I still remember those)!!.
I loving friend will always remain in our hearts to our family and yours.
I will dearly miss him along with everyone else.
We pray with the family for the peaceful departure of this pious soul.
Ambarish