WARREN — George Joseph Massie, 87, died peacefully July 19, 2014. with his family at his side at his home.

George was born June 28, 1927, in Ridgefield, N.Y., to James and Irene Grossman Massie. Following the untimely death of his parents, Mr. Massie was placed in an orphanage until he was adopted by his uncle. He lived in Prospect until moving to Appleton, where he resided with Karl and Lilli Johnson, whom he considered parents. He attended Appleton schools, graduating from Appleton High School with the class of 1945.

Immediately following graduation, Mr. Massie enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He served proudly during World War II and the Korean War. He attained the rank of staff sergeant and was the recipient of the Purple Heart, awarded for injuries he sustained in the line of artillery duty. He also received three Battle Stars.

Upon his discharge from active duty he attended Husson College for one year. In 1955 he joined the Maine State Police, first assigned as a trooper in Kittery, Freeport and Camden respectively. The final 10 years of his work with the State Police was as a corporal detective with the Homicide Division. In 2001 he was honored with the presentation of the Maine State Police Legendary Trooper Award for his service from 1955 to 1977.

In 1977 he began working as a dispatcher with the Rockport Police Department; and in 1980 was elected sheriff of Knox County, serving in that office until 1984. He later worked “special detail” at Maine State Prison. For several years he was also employed as a security guard at Pen Bay Medical Center.

Mr. Massie was a 60-year member of the American Legion Memorial Post #30 in Camden. He took great joy in gardening and was proud of the work he did at his home, turning it into a place of beauty. Cooking was another hobby, and he excelled at it. His daughters said he made the most exquisite meals for two that belonged in a five star restaurant. He was even making pies from scratch just one month ago. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Predeceased by his wife, Mary McLain Perry Massie, in 2005; and a son, Carl A. “Skip” Perry in 1991; Mr. Massie is survived by his daughters, Carolyn A. Copeland and her husband, Rodney, of Warren, Cynthia A. Neal and her husband, Larry, of Friendship, and Cathleen A. Studley and her husband, Russell, of Union; his brother, James A. Massie and his wife, Linda, of Lafayette, Ind.; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; his companion of eight years, Audrey Cook of Belfast; her children and their spouses, Robert and Carolyn Cook of Winthrop, Kathie and Albert Edwards of Inverness, Fla., Terry and Dawn Cook of Belfast, Regina Knight of Belfast, Jim and Jess Cook of Clinton, and Debra and Leslie Dixon of Inverness, Fla.; as well Audrey's grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to visit Friday, July 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockalnd, where a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 26 at 1 p.m.