Mr. Alford Charles Messick, Jr.

May 2, 1955 - April 14, 2022

The family of Mr. Alford Charles Messick, Jr., age 66, wishes to announce his passing which occurred at his home in Durham, North Carolina, with his family by his side. Al received his youth education in New Hanover County public schools, where he attended Williston Junior High and John T. Hoggard High School. He entered the United States Marines Corps on August 17, 1973, until March 31, 1976, when he received an honorable discharge. During his time of service, he received the Rifle Sharpshooter Badge and National Defense Service Medal. Al also served in the kitchen as a Cook, culminating in his love for cooking family meals. He was a proud Marine who protected his country, family, and friends. Al valued education immensely. Following his years of service, he received two associate degrees: one in Electronic Engineering from Cape Fear Community College and the other in Business Administration from Durham Technical Community College. Al later completed his bachelor's degree in business administration from North Carolina Wesleyan College. After many years in IT, he developed a passion for clinical research and earned a third associate degree in Clinical Trials from Durham Technical Community College. Al believed in higher education and always took advantage of learning new skills, trades, and things of his interest. Al was a private family man who opened his heart and home to many. He was honest, fair and loved mentoring those he could help. He enjoyed fishing, problem-solving and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Alford Charles Messick, Sr. and Beatrice Fullwood Roberts. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Ruby Smith Messick; three daughters, O'Mechia Messick, Raquell Messick and Racqwell Messick; three sons, Garry Marshall, Alford Charles Messick, III, and Roger Burroughs; bonus mother, Rosa Messick; sister, Sharon (Diane) ElDorrado (Bernard); five brothers, Warrell LaVerne Messick (L'Toynya), Kirk Messick, Charles Kevin Messick, Gregory (Greg) Messick and William (Billy) Roberts (Demeika); five grandchildren, Dwanya, Kadeshia, Gregory, Rachel and Destin; four great grandchildren, Bryan, Jr., Ivory, Kylie and Jariah; and a host of extended family members and friends. Public viewing for Mr. Alford Charles Messick, Jr. will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701. Funeral services for Mr. Alford Charles Messick, Jr. will take place on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at 12:00 noon, at Russell Memorial CME Church, 703 S Alston Avenue, Durham, North Carolina 27701, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Mr. Alford Charles Messick, Jr. will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington, North Carolina 28412, on Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. Please keep this family in your thoughts and in your prayers.