Ray Pennington Messick

Ray Pennington Messick, age 79, of Pass Christian, passed away on Monday, October 1, 2018. Mr. Messick retired from the U.S. Navy after 23 years of service where he earned the Expert Pistol, Meritorious Conduct, and Navy Battle “E” awards, as well as the Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He was in the Navy E6 Weapons Maintenance, worked as a tug boat Captain, and was a security guard with Swetman Security. Mr. Messick enjoyed fishing, watching sports on TV, and spending time with his great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Bailey Messick and Alice Dolores Pennington; and his sibling, Spence Messick. Survivors include his daughter, Tonya Young; grandchildren, Dillon Toler, Dean Toler, and Brittany Toler; and great-grandchildren, Tanner Toler, Amelia Toler, and Azelia Toler. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 5, 2018 at Biloxi National Cemetery, with honors by the U.S. Navy. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, MS is in charge of arrangements.