George T. Messick Jr., avid bowler
George Thomas Messick Jr., 79, of Delmar, Md., passed away Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, Salisbury, Md. He was born at home in Georgetown Feb. 17, 1936, to his parents, the late George Thomas Messick and Frances Isabelle (Littleton) Messick.
He grew up on many Townsend chicken ranches of Sussex County and rode his bicycle delivering newspapers for Henry Parks Newsstand. Prior to graduation from Georgetown High School in 1954, he followed the family tradition and enlisted in the Delaware National Guard’s early entry program. He retired after 38 years as sgt. major HHC280th Signal Battalion in Georgetown. He was elected to the Delaware National Guard NCO Hall of Fame at Bethany Beach.
He was currently employed as counter manager at Cherokee Lanes in Salisbury. He was a goalie on the roller hockey teams at Skateland and Skateworld and numerous other area rinks. Known as “MADDOG”, he was a diehard bowler in leagues at Wicomico, Seaford, Rehoboth, and Cherokee lanes. He served for many years as secretary-treasurer of Salisbury Bowling Association, certified youth bowling coach and Maryland State Youth and ABC Board. He was inducted into the Salisbury Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He was a part of the Warrington Stock Car Racing Team at the Georgetown Race Track and an avid NASCAR and Jeff Gordon fan.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elaine Messick; three daughters, Melody Messick and her friend Dale of Gettysburg, Pa., Melissa Messick of Waynesboro, Pa., and Michelle Horne and her husband Justin of Bridgeville; five grandchildren, Mariah Russell, Damian Price and Jenna Price of Waynesboro, and Fantasy and Journey Hopkins of Bridgeville; and his first wife, Norah Collins of Waynesboro.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Donald; and Clayton; and a sister, Frances Ann.
A visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday , June 4, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and also Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove St. in Delmar, followed by the funeral service which begins at 11:30. The Rev. Phyllis Walton will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to your local youth bowling league.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com
