Msg. Robert J. Messer

1945 - 2021

MSG. Robert J. Messer
MSG. Robert J. Messer, retired, 76, of Southside, passed away at UAB Hospital Pallitive Care in Birmingham on Monday, March 1, 2021.
He was born Feb. 18, 1945, in Bonifay, Fla. Robert attended Holmes County High School, in Bonifay, where he was raised before joining the Army on Feb. 14, 1963. His military career spanned five decades, having retired from active duty in 1985, followed by retirement from the Anniston Army Depot in 2004.
Robert served one year in Vietnam before returning stateside in 1969 and surviving a house fire in which 90 percent of his body was burned in 1972. After rehabilitation, Robert spent most of his Army life in Germany where he raised his two daughters.
After moving his family back stateside, Robert spent 18 years working at Anniston Army Depot.
Robert, a decorated veteran and model soldier, was the essence of a true American patriot dedicating his life to serving his country.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Ethel Messer, of Bonifay, Fla., two infant sons, one granddaughter, Kimberly Jo, several brothers and sisters and special fur baby Bert.
He is survived by his wife, Nellie J. Messer, daughters, M. Christine Messer, Birmingham, and Rhonda Faye Craft (Kim), Albertville; two sons, Matthew Messer and Jarrod Messer, Southside; grandson, Christopher R. Messer (Emily), Jacksonville; granddaughter, Ariel Jo Kitchens (SSG. Steven D. Kitchens), Fort Leonard Wood, MO,; chosen granddaughter Sarah Darnell; great granddaughters Madelyn Messer, Camille Messer, Mahaylla Messer and Aubree Darnell; and sister, Rachel Bradshaw (Howard), Bonifay, Fla.; and life-long best friend Randall Brown, Bonifay, Fla.
A full military honors graveside service is at 11:00am Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Williams Cemetery in Southside with a military chaplain officiating. Morgan Funeral Home is directing. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The family wishes to thank Janet Hasse for her love and continued care for Robert and Nellie, the staff of Riverview Regional Medical Center and UAB Critical Care and Pallative Care units along with home health nurses Keith and Jennifer Clay.