Craig Leonard Mellies, 63, of Leonardtown, MD passed away on June 16, 2012 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 24, 1949 in Peoria, IL, he was the son of the late Russell Mellies and Ruby (Mellies) Hodgson, and stepfather Paul Hodgson.

Craig was the loving husband of Wanda Faye Norris Mellies, whom he married on May 21, 2005 in Callaway, MD.

Mr. Mellies is survived by his children Benjamin Paul Mellies (Amy) of Reisterstown, MD, Joshua Aaron Mellies of California, MD, Christina Leigh Mellies of Hollywood, MD, and 2 grandchildren Destiny and Ian Mellies. Craig is also survived by his sisters Gloria (Mellies) Dill (Robert) of Wichita, KS, and Sylvia (Mellies) Wagerle (Craig) of West Chester, PA, a stepsister Sharon Hildreth and stepbrother Roger Hodgson, both of Hutchinson, KS.

Craig was preceded in death by stepsisters Janalyn McMurphy and Marilyn Gooch.

Craig graduated from Sterling High School in KS in 1967. He joined the United States Navy in May of 1967, duty stations included Vietnam (swiftboat river rats) and Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Lexington Park, MD, retiring after 20+ years of service. Craig belonged to the VFW and the Patuxent Moose Lodge, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Funeral Service will follow on June 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Bill Nickerson officiating. Pallbearers will be: Robert Dill, Craig Wagerle, Ralph Heard, Wade Norris, Troy Norris, and John Mitchell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Norris, Perry Guy, Alex Sogn, and Brennon Norris.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's P.O. Box 629 Leonardtown, MD 20650, and/or Charlotte Hall Veteran's Home 29449 Charlotte Hall Road Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Arrangements provided by Mattingly-Gardiner Funeral Home.