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Bill Messler Obituary
February 8, 1929 ~ March 18, 2014
Cary
William "Bill" Franklin Messler, 85 passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer.
Bill was born in Huntington, IN before settling in NC with his wife Ann. Bill's military service included the US Navy and U.S. Army where he served as a paratrooper. Upon discharge from the U.S. Army, Bill began his career as an automotive body technician and went on to open his own body shop, Messler's Body Shop in Garner, NC, which became the largest independently owned body shop in Wake County where he held the position as President of the IGA of NC.
Bill was happiest bowling, golfing, singing in the St. Andrews UMC choir, and most importantly spending time with his family and friends. He was known best for his "huge grin", blinking bow-tie, and devotion to his wife, "mom".
Bill was one of the founding four inductees into the Raleigh Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1986. Bill missed the perfect score of 300 by one pin, the solid 10. As an avid golfer, Bill made the elusive "hole-in-one" at Chicora Country Club, Dunn, NC.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mildred Messler, step-father Esta Frye, daughter Cathy Owens, brother Loyal "Bus" Messler, and sister, Shirley Schutz.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Ann Norris Messler of the home; daughter, Judy Stephenson and husband, Ricky of Summerfield, FL; son-in-law, Andy Owens of Cary, NC; grandson, Nicholas Stephenson and wife, Jenny of Garner, NC; granddaughter, Samantha Smith and husband, Carl of Salt Lake City, UT; four great-grandchildren, Emma and Shane Stephenson, Landon and Colton Smith; nephew, Terry Messler of Huntington, IN.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2014 at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to St. Andrews UMC, Cathy Owens Memorial Fund.
Condolences may be made to bryan-leefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Messler
March 21, 2014
Ann,
We are very sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was always a kind man and perfect gentleman who obviously loved you dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
David & Joan Hooks
March 20, 2014
Ann & the Messler Family, I was sorry to hear of Bill's passing and wanted to express my deepest sympathy. I know you are surrounded by family and friends at this time, but know that you are not only in our hearts and prayers, but Angels from above will surrround you and hold up up in these times of need. Of course I have known you through St Andrews UMC Church & your Sunday School Class and friends are as close as family. Mom, Mary Ann Yates, thought the world of Bill and all of you. She spoke of Bill's dedication to the church & choir. He will be missed. Love to all of you.
Darrell "Dee" Yates
Verne Futrell
March 20, 2014
Ann, Judy and family, Bill was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days,weeks,months,years to come.My Love Verne
Mike Kilmartin Sr
March 20, 2014
Bill was a great bowling supporter, we'll miss him and his smile.
Todd & Lesa Owen
March 20, 2014
In Loving Memory of
Todd & Lesa Owen
March 20, 2014
Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the loss of such a wonderful man. However, we are comforted by the many happy memories shared throughout the years. We will not forget how much fun we had with Uncle Bill at our Kentucky Derby parties, nor his tireless work, helping us with our wedding. There was never a time that upon seeing him we were not greeted with that great big dazzling smile, a hug, and a kiss. He will certainly be missed by us, and many. May the Love of friends and family guide you through this difficult time. We Love You. Todd and Lesa Owen
Laurie Breningmeyer
March 20, 2014
I am truly sorry to hear the loss of uncle Bill. I have such fond memories of him helping us in the kitchen with the flowers for Todd and Lesa's wedding, not to mention his zest for life! May God comfort you with his peach and strength. My heart felt condolences,
Laurie Breningmeyer
Larry & Kathy Tankersley
March 20, 2014
Ann & all the Messler Family members...plus extended family of Ann & Bill: Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. No doubt, Heaven has gained yet another angel....one with a big, beautiful smile, a pleasant nature and a voice ready to sing! We can't remember a time when Bill wasn't happy & smiling, laughing & joking. We are honored to have known him & the joy he spread! He touched many lives & he will be deeply missed by many. We hope that, in time, you will be comforted, knowing that Bill is pain-free and that he is resting peacefully in the welcoming arms of God.
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