On July 3, 2023, Michael Hunt Murray (Mike) passed peacefully in his sleep, following a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Baltimore Maryland, Mike became a beach loving Floridian at the age of 6.  The ocean served as a backdrop for his brief 41 years.  His love of the water led him to his first job at 14 years old, carrying his weight in beach chair cushions for Oceanside Beach Services in Palm Beach Shores, FL.  He'd ride miles to work on a bicycle specially outfitted with a surfboard rack so that he could be in the waves (as they exist in south florida) whenever the opportunity presented itself.  On those beaches he honed his exceptional people skills.  Everyone knew him and many a teenage girl's first crush was on the dreamy surfer boy who set up her family's beach chairs on their spring break vacation.

He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard after high school graduation, at barely 18 years old.  On his own initiative he studied and tested to advance in rank.  He enjoyed living in the many beautiful areas he was stationed: Cape May, NJ, Matthews, VA, Fort Pierce. FL, Wilmington, NC, Charleston, SC and Washington, DC.

Mike's love affair with the water continued after the Coast Guard.  He was employed by JM Family Enterprises, a fortune 500 company who used their luxury yachts to entertain their rich and famous clients.  One of Mike's main functions?  Swimming with the elderly billionaire owner, keeping him safe while sharing the enjoyment of crystal clear tropical waters, sun soaked beaches and exotic locales.

Always a self-starter, Mike pursued his captain's license and was employed by Iris Wolstein, on the Lady Iris.  The "Mrs", as Mike called her, was a widow whose love of the ocean rivaled Mike's own.  Being moored at the marina in Palm Beach, FL,  kept Mike closer to home when he wasn't swimming with the sharks in the Bahamas, watching the sunsets in exclusive resorts, or plotting the next big outing with the Wolstein family and friends.  During Mike's initial illness and early diagnosis, Mrs. Wolstein became a fierce ally, hiring another captain to pilot the yacht, which allowed Mike to continue his employment even as he could no longer perform his functions.  Her kindness and generosity to Mike and his family will forever be remembered and appreciated.

Charming, charismatic, personable, kind and generous, Mike made meaningful connections with everyone he met.  In his brief lifetime, he embraced living everyday.  He was quick to forgive and accepting of the circumstances life brought to him.  During his lengthy illness, losing his ability to speak, to walk or control his once strong, young body, Mike literally never lost his positive attitude, giving a big thumbs up to let his loved ones know "it's all good".

It is due to the incredible support of his immediate family that Mike was able to live his life to the fullest even with his limited mobility and inability to communicate.  A swimming pool became his link to independence, allowing him to move through the water on his own.  He could often be found with his father in area pools cutting through the water under his own power, feeling the sun on his shoulders and making new friends with the locals.

Mike was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Raymond and Betty Jean Dykes of Salisbury, MD, his paternal grandparents, Maurice and Maxine Murray of Woodsboro, MD, and Uncle Sherm Broka, Alexandria, VA.. He is survived by his mother, Linda Windsor and step-father Mark Windsor, Naples, FL; his father Richard Murray and step-mother Michelle Murray, West Palm Beach, FL; step-sisters Julie Legan (Chad), Naples, FL, Andrea Compton (Trent), Naples, FL; step-brothers Kaydeon Moore (Jessica), Nashville, TN, Michael Moore (Jenifer)Pittsburgh, PA; Uncles, Buddy Dykes (Marcia), Dagsboro, DE, Scott Dykes (Shelly), Delmar, DE, William Murray (Diane), Crofton, MD and Aunts, Pam Broka, Alexandria, VA and Peggy Esworthy, (Ed), Walkersville, MD.  Mike is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews as well as many cousins.

It is often said after a loved one passes what an extraordinary person they were.  This is most true of Mike.  The world is a brighter place for having had Mike in it, and his beautiful spirit will remain with all those who knew and loved him.  While there are no words to describe the hole his passing has left in our lives, we will honor him by doing as he did.  Embrace life everyday. Show your love to those around you. Laugh often.  Sing even if you're off key,  and eat the extra cookie.  Thumbs up, Mike.  God Bless.

Celebrations of Life on October 21st in Woodsboro, MD and in West Palm Beach at a time to be determined.  Donations may be made to Avow Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or Trustbridge Hospice Foundation, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, 33407.