Billy Messer

Billy Odell Messer, 71, passed away on September 12, 2012, in Gaffney, SC.  He was born June 15, 1941, in Gaston County to the late Jessie Odell and Ella Louise Lane Messer.



Billy was a member of Fraley Memorial Baptist Church.  He retired from the City of Gastonia after 31 years of service. Billy was an avid fisherman, and a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.  He was a man who was honest, understanding, strong, big-hearted, affectionate, nurturing and dependable.   He will be greatly missed.



He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Mullinax Messer; sons Mike Messer and wife April of Lake Wylie, SC, Wayne Messer and wife Tammy of Gastonia, and Roger Messer and wife Myra of Gastonia; sisters, Violet Woods and husband Melvin of Umatilla, Fl., Ella Faye Mayberry of Lincolnton, Ga., Jeanette McFee and husband Bobby of Little River, SC, Peggy Payne and husband Floyd of Grand Haven, Michigan, and Debbie Blanton and husband Rick, Ginger McSwain, Terry Myer and husband Darren, and Diane Messer all of Gastonia; brothers, Harry Messer and wife Brenda, Jamie Messer and wife Diane, Tommy Messer and wife Mary Lou, and Joe Messer and wife Debbie all of Gastonia; grandchildren, Brandon, Josey, Matt, and Jennifer Messer, and Mandy Cabe; step-grandchildren, Marty Reid and Rebecca Taylor; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Paislee Messer, Landon and Emma Cabe; step great-grandchildren, Christopher Reid, Madeline and Dylan Taylor.



He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Crystal Messer, sister Delores Whitesides, brother Bobby Messer, and sister-in-law Betsy Messer.



His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday at Fraley Memorial Baptist Church in Gastonia with Dr. I. Warner Doles, III officiating.



Interment will follow at Westview Gardens in Bessemer City, NC.



Visitation will be held Thursday from 6:00 -7:30 PM at the church.



Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1612 N. Limestone St., Gaffney, SC 29341.



To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com

Arrangements by Sisk-Butler Funeral Home, Bessemer City