George Edward Massey, 79

WARWICK, Md. - George Edward Massey of Warwick, formerly of Dover, Del., passed away Friday, Feb. 16, 2007, in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 79.

Mr. Massey was born July 17, 1927, in Emporia, Va., the youngest son of the late Alva and Jesse W. Massey Sr.

His family moved to Dover in 1930. He was a 1945 graduate of Dover High School, where he was an all-around athlete in track, golf, baseball, tennis and football. As lightning halfback he contributed to the football team going undefeated two years in a row. He played both offense and defense then strapped on the tuba to play in the band during halftime. This was the World War II generation.

Mr. Massey served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946 on the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Princeton with his battle station manning the 40 millimeter guns.

He graduated from Rider College in Trenton, N.J. in 1952 with a business degree. His business career spanned 38 years as the assistant manager for the Dover Coca-Cola Bottling Co. retiring in 1990.

He enjoyed many activities including painting, carving ducks, hunting, golf, the beach and fishing. But these activities never took priority over being a devoted husband and father and bringing a happy home life to those who loved him.

Mr. Massey was a member of the People's United Church of Christ in Dover.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Howard Earl Massey killed in action in World War II; and Charles Elbert Massey.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Orna Lee (Metz) Massey; three children, Capt. George Cort Massey, U.S. Navy Retired and his wife, Marilyn of Magnolia, William Randy Massey and his wife, Connie of Bear; a daughter, Susan L. Cushing and her husband, Dr. Clarke Cushing of Warwick; two brothers, Jesse W. Massey Jr. of Norfolk, Va., and D. Julian Massey of Dover; and seven grandchildren, Alison Massey, Lauren Massey, Jason Massey and his wife, Courtney; Ryan Massey, Lindsay Massey, Joshua Cushing and Andrew Cushing.

Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in Torbert Funeral South Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Road on route 10, Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Dover.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at torbertfuneral.com.