Garland R. Brisco, 73

BELLTOWN - Garland R. Brisco of Belltown departed this life Saturday, July 7, 2007, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 73.

Mr. Brisco was the fourth oldest of 11 children, born June 22, 1934, in Cape Charles, Va., son of the late John and Lillie Brisco.

He received his education in the Northampton County public schools in Virginia. Upon graduation, he relocated to Rehoboth Beach.

Mr. Brisco worked for the Doxsee Seafood Plant, Lewes, for a number of years. He later was employed by the City of Rehoboth Beach, retiring in 1997 after 26 years.

He was known by many titles, "Shorty," "Short Pants," "Brisco," "Pop-Pop," "Uncle Garland" and more.

Mr. Brisco possessed a passion for collecting things, and could always be found at Wilson"s Auction on Saturdays, picking up a fresh collection of lawn mowers.

Having a strong love for people, he always had something to give away. Family could always expect an assortment of frozen foods upon his arrival - as well as the 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. phone calls.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William and Henry; and two sisters, Annie Mae and Daisy.

Mr. Brisco leaves to cherish his memory his companion and wife of 33 years, Magdalene Ayers Brisco; a daughter, Melissa Collins (Vance) of Delaware; three sons, Albert Ayers (Margaret) of Maryland, Garland Ayers (Brenda) of Delaware and Calvin Matthews of Virginia; his special daughters, Joyce Sessoms (Furman), Jackie Weathersby (David) and Annette Wynder, all of Delaware; a sister, Judy Brisco of Virginia; five brothers, Charles, James (Helen), Thomas (Sharlene) of Virginia, John of Delaware and Irvin (Gayle) of New York; two sisters-in-law, Lillie Beckett and Delores Wyatt of Delaware; two brothers-in-law, Joseph and Thomas Ayers of Delaware; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and his favorite "kitchen" buddies, Knox, Junior, the Rev. Duffy, Buddy, Bill, Charles, Heavy Due, Tommy, Bill Batson, Humpty and Bott.

A viewing will be Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m., in St. John"s Second Baptist Church, Mount Joy, where services will be 2 p.m. Saturday.

Arrangements by Miller Funeral Services, Milford.