POCI Vice-President, Dr. Michael Murray, passes away.

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of POCI Vice-President and Central East Regional Director, Dr. Michael Murray.

Michael has served the club as a Director since 2017, and as POCI Vice-President since 2024. Michael was also a former president of the Eastern Shore Antique Automobile Club Association, and a lifetime member of the AACA.

Michael was a retired educator and teacher with 35 years of service in special education. During his educator career he held positions as vice principal and then Principal of the Howard T. Ennis School and Richard Allen School in Georgetown. After retiring he was a substitute teacher for two years. He then served five years on the Wicomico County School Board, the last two of which he held the position of School Board Vice-President. With this extensive background in education, it’s no surprise that he eagerly offered to serve as Chairperson of the POCI Scholarship Committee, a position he held for several years. He thoroughly enjoyed serving in this capacity as it brought him much joy to help students achieve their goal of higher education.

As a lifetime Salisbury, Maryland resident, Michael enjoyed the eastern shore and served on the Port of Salisbury Commission, formerly known as the Marina Commission, for 22 years; including 21 years as the chairman. He was a member of the Marina Commission since 1988. Michael’s passions did not stop with education and maritime. Being a self-proclaimed “car fanatic” he had a real passion for anything with wheels. This was proven by his collection of Pontiacs, but even more so by his extensive toy train and promotional model collections. In 2022, he hosted the Keystone State Chapter members to his home where he showed off his Lionel train and toy collection. Michael will be missed by all those he called his friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wicomico County Humane Society.

Arrangements are being handled by Holloway Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday Aug 13th, 2026. Visitation will begin at 1pm, followed by a funeral service at 2pm. Interment will be at the Pittsville Cemetery.

A tribute to Michael Murray

Sadly the old car fraternity lost another brother.  Dr. Michael Murray [Yes, he had a Doctorate in Education, was a retired school administrator, and served on his local school board] joined POCI & AACA in 1995.

I first met Michael thru my association with AACA.  He served as President of the Eastern Shore Region AACA from 2009 until 2016. As national AACA President in 2015 Michael invited my late wife, Carol and I , to attend the regions 50th anniversary celebration.  We presented two of their members with their 50th year in AACA pins.  It was an enjoyable evening for us.

In 2016 Michael was elected to the POCI Board of Directors and in 2019 chaired the schlorship committee.  With his background in education. it was a perfect fit!  He mentored this program until his retirement at this years convention.

On a personal note,  We spent quality time during many evening phone calls discussing POCI and AACA and our shared mutual interests in the hobby.  We both liked big cars as we both drove mid 2000's Lincoln Town Cars for our regular  transportation.  We shared Hershey week last year at my vendor spaces promoting POCI with Scott and his wife and members of the Keystone State Chapter.

We shared many personal experiences as well including our various medical health issues.  While he was 11 years my junior, we found much common ground.

On July 31st, as our Vice President Michael Murray entered his next chapter I was wishing my daughter a happy 53rd birthday..  He was looking forward  to his future POCI journey.  Now he is looking down on us to continue POCI's legacy.

Don Barlup #81

Director Emeritus