Joseph Marshall Messick

POQUOSON - Joseph Marshall Messick, 87, a lifetime resident of Poquoson, passed away Monday, December 24, 2012 at Dominion Village in Poquoson. He was the ninth child and last living child of Zadoc Wesley and Sarah Frances Messick. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Greenwell; and siblings, William Preston "Press" Messick of New Kent Co., Robert "Rob" Messick, Thomas Wesley "Tom" Messick, Indiana "Indy" Messick Ferguson, Sarah Frances "Sadie" Thomas, Della Jane Insley, all of Poquoson, and Mary Ferguson Kinder of Toano. Joe was always "Uncle Joe" to 28 nieces and nephews, including his primary caregivers, Rose Mary Bunting and Merriel Dean Forrest, who have cared for him during his recent declining years and loved him dearly. Fourteen of the 28 survive and have a lifetime of memories of Joe to cherish his adventures. Joe graduated from Poquoson High School in 1943, and was drafted into the Navy where he traveled the world aboard weapons ships during WWII. After discharge from the Navy, he attended University of Virginia for a year and then returned to Poquoson to begin work as an independent electrical contractor, wiring most of the existing older homes and new homes being built in Poquoson at that time. He went on to retire from Langley Air Force Base after many years as a Master Electrician. He was a jovial, fun loving person who loved visiting Atlantic City to play the games and was always a winner. When he could no longer drive the trip, he went by bus where he entertained the other passengers with his warm humor. He will be long remembered by those who shared those trips to Atlantic City. Joe credited himself with being very lucky, and indeed he was. He was often seen in Farm Fresh and local establishments cashing in his winning tickets. In keeping with Joe's wishes, the family will receive friends Friday, 10-10:30 AM, at Claytor Rollins Funeral Home, Poquoson, immediately followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 10:30 AM by Rev. Milford C. Rollins. Burial, with Navy honors, will follow at Albert G. Horton Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 831 Poquoson Ave., Poquoson, VA, 23662. Online condolences to www.claytorrollins.com .