Billy Freeman Messer

Billy Freeman Messer, a resident of Dothan, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2005, at his residence. He was 68.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today, Oct. 28, at Byrd Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kawana Brookins officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Messer was born Feb. 8, 1937, in Henry County and lived the early years of his life there. He was a 1956 graduate of Headland High School. He had been a resident of Dothan since 1972. Mr. Messer was self-employed as a farmer for several years and also worked as a truck driver with Sunnyland Packing Co. for 15 years. For the past 18 years Mr. Messer was employed in security and the lab department of Flowers Hospital. He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church.

Mr. Messer is predeceased by his wife, Sharlene Williams Messer; a brother, Louie Messer Jr.; a sister, Frances Kirkland and his parents, Blanche Douglas and John Louie Messer Sr.

Survivors include his children, Lan McGriff of Dothan, Bill Messer of Atlanta, John Messer and his wife, Heidi, of Jacksonville, Fla., Chris Messer of Dothan; two brothers, Eugene Messer and his wife, Antoinette, of Charlotte, N.C., Bobby Messer of Dothan; a sister, Winifred Gasalberti and her husband, Marty, of West Milford, N.J.; grandchildren, Stephen McGriff, Keely McGriff, Patrick McGriff, Joshua Messer and Jordyn Messer; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Lan McGriff, John Messer, Tony Hall, Justin Perkins, Bill Messer and Eugene Messer.

Byrd Funeral Home, (334) 793-3003, is in charge of arrangements.