DELMAR- George Thomas Messick, Jr., 79, of Delmar, Maryland passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. He was born at home in Georgetown on February 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, Maryland. 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, DE; 5 grandchildren, Mariah Russell, Damian Price and Jenna Price of Waynesboro, PA, and Fantasy and Journey Hopkins of Bridgeville; and his first wife, Norah Collins of Waynesboro, PA. 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 on Thursday , June 4, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and also Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Short Funeral Home, 13 E. Grove Street in Delmar, followed by the funeral service which begins at 11:30. The Reverend Phyllis Walton will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro. Following the interment, family and friends are welcome to join the family at the Armory in Georgetown for a time of food and fellowship. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to your local youth bowling league. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com