Francis Elder Moale Early Jr.

Francis Elder Moale Early, Jr. of Pocomoke City, MD completed his earthly exile on Friday, July 18, 2025. He was born on March 27, 1938 in Baltimore City, MD. to Esther Mildred Shields Early and Francis E. M. Early, Sr. After graduating from Wicomico High School he enlisted in the Navy. He proudly served his country and while aboard ship traveled the world. These travels afforded him opportunities to circumnavigate the globe, cross the equator at the International Date Line, traverse the Suez Canal, the Bosporous Strait, and the Panama Canal twice. He sailed above the Arctic Circle and below the Antarctic Circle and visited 23 countries.
He married his wife, Mary Catherine "Kay" Messick, of 52 years, in 1958. Their family grew to include six children, ponies, dogs, cats and various other critters. Over the years, living in Snow Hill, MD, and working swing shifts for NASA, then NOAA, he made time to start and coach the Nassawango Swim Team. As a coach he inspired his own children and many youth in Snow Hill and Pocomoke, to train hard and dig deep to do the best they could for themselves and the team.
He had many hobbies including swimming, Japanese gardening, and carving. He pursued a college degree in teaching while working full time and raising a family. After retirement from NOAA, he joined his wife in the Early's Antiques business.
He attended Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Pocomoke City, MD, and developed a strong faith life. He enjoyed using his talents to beautify the church and grounds. He was active in bringing others to faith in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and actively promoted the devotion of Divine Mercy and the Right to Life. He was known to have an endless supply of Saint cards that he shared with children when he saw them at church.
Moale was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kay, his daughter Ellin Early-McFord, his great granddaughter Frances "Francy" Lucille Benson, and his sister Ellin Early Jackson. Survivors include Catherine Early Bliss, Christine Early Browning (Jerry), Francis "Tripp" Elder Moale Early, III, John Howard Early (Courtney), and David Hendrix Early; grandchildren Michael McJilton (Deirdre), Matthew McJilton, Sabra Benson (Eric), Ginny Hamilton (Cody), Cammie Hungerford (John), Nathan Browning, Reece Early, Jordyn Early, Tatum Early, Kaitlin Early, and Hanna McFord; great grandchildren Adriana McJilton, Kaysleigh, River, and Ellinore Benson, Mitchell Drinnen, CJ, Cole, and Carter Hamilton, Marilyn, John Moses, and Loretta Hungerford, and Theo Early.
We would like to particularly thank Jennifer Myers who was instrumental in assisting Tripp in the care of Moale over the last several years. Her compassion and home cooked meals were greatly appreciated.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 8 from 5:30 - 8 pm at Holloway Funeral Home in Pocomoke. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be prayed at 5:30. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name of Jesus (HNJ) Catholic Church, Pocomoke, on Saturday, August 9 at 10:00 am with a Rosary prayed before the Mass. Interment at First Baptist Church Cemetery will immediately follow the Mass. Afterwards a reception will be held at HNJ Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.