George “Mickey” Ashby of Pocomoke City, long-time volunteer for Coastal Hospice, has been selected for induction into The Maryland Senior Citizens Hall of Fame (MSCHF). He will be honored officially at the annual MSCHF Awards Luncheon on Oct. 26 in Glen Burnie, Md.
“Your nominations and selection honor you for the many hours that you have given for others,” Thomas Kline, president of MSCHF wrote in his letter to Ashby. “Your nominator (Coastal Hospice) spoke highly of your skills and your willingness to serve in many capacities in your area of volunteerism.”
A retired insurance agent, Ashby has provided companionship and comfort to patients of Coastal Hospice since 2009. In 2016 alone, Ashby contributed 188 hours in direct patient care and 104 hours in patient support. He is also a regular volunteer chaplain at Deer’s Head Hospital in Salisbury, where he has served for 16 years, logging an average 500 volunteer hours per year. Ashby is also a deacon at Lynnhaven Baptist Church, where he visits congregation members in their homes and the hospital.
“Mickey is both outgoing and caring,” Sally Rankin, volunteer coordinator for Coastal Hospice, said. “Families have told us he has the gift of compassion; their loved ones have enjoyed his presence and sense of humor during a most difficult time.”
Ashby said he doesn’t volunteer for the personal recognition. “I do it because I love serving Christ,” he said.
Founded in 1980, Coastal Hospice is a nonprofit health care organization that cares for individuals facing life-limiting conditions but who want to remain as active and engaged as possible. Coastal Hospice cares for patients in their home, nursing home, assisted living facility or at Coastal Hospice at the Lake. The organization serves Wicomico, Worcester, Dorchester and Somerset counties. Information is available at 410-742-8732 or at CoastalHospice.org.
