Edward Dorian Messer

Edward Dorian Messer, age 89, of Conyers, Georgia passed away on June 20, 2025, in the comfort of his own home. A beloved widow, father, uncle, brother, and friend, Ed was a "people-person" and loved showing kindness for others. He adored animals, in particular the numerous Yorkies that he and his wife owned over the years.
Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, Ed was a part of a loving family that blessed him with one brother and five sisters. He enjoyed running track/field and playing football during his high school years. He earned a scholarship to play football at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he attended college for four years, before graduating in the class of 1959. Ed served two years in the U.S. Army after graduating from college. After his military service, Ed worked for decades as a banker in the Atlanta metropolitan area, retiring in the early 1990's. Even after his retirement from the banking industry, Ed wasn't finished with working, which prompted he and his wife to open "D. Morgan Gallery and Gifts" in Conyers, where he owned and operated a successful business selling his wife's artwork, until deciding to completely retire in 2008. Those who knew him will remember his thoughtful conversations, where he was known to ask anything that came into his mind. One of his favorite statements was, "I have a question!" He also loved to eat and was frequently observed at many restaurants around Conyers, and in the Young Harris/Hiawassee area of Georgia. He was known for his warm sense of humor, and his steady presence in times of need. He had the rare gift of making others feel seen and valued, never asking for the spotlight but always shining in the lives of those around him.
Throughout his life, Ed touched many with his generosity, work ethic, and devotion to family. For years, he traveled intermittently as a member of the former Mt. Carmel Christian Church Builders to other states to build churches. He found joy in a multitude of things such as eating meals with other people, dancing, traveling, visiting his Alma Matter during homecoming each year, taking care of his 1966 Ford truck (which he owned for 57 years), watching sports, or visiting the north Georgia mountains. Some may have known Ed as "the man that rides his trike down Main Street in Conyers," which he loved to do before his health would not allow it.
Ed is survived by his loving daughter, Jeanie Messer Jackson, step-daughter Debbie Baker of Chattanooga, Tennessee (Duane), several nieces, and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his lovely wife Doris Morgan Messer, (also known as the nationally acclaimed artist/painter "D. Morgan"), his mother and father, his one brother, his five sisters, his son-in-law, Curt Jackson, and many beloved Yorkies that he owned during the years.
A celebration of a life well-lived will be held on Sunday August 3, 2025, at Scot Ward Funeral Services, located at 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, Georgia 30012. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the memorial service starting at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ed's name to the Alcovy Pet Rescue (), a reflection of his lifelong commitment to his love of people and animals.
Though he is no longer with us in body, Ed's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.