William Patton Messer

MESSER, William Patton, On Tuesday, June 7, 2022, William Patton "Pat" Messer, passed away peacefully at home in Richmond, Va., at the age of 88 after a long illness.

Pat was born on June 11, 1933 in Waynesville, N.C. to Pinkie Thomas and Maude (Hunter) Messer. In January 1952, Pat enlisted in the Navy and served for three years on the aircraft carrier Tarawa during the Korean War before being honorably discharged. He would later go on to work at Beach Hardware in Hampton, Va., where he would meet Donna Baines who worked at Woolworth's in the same shopping center. They were married May 1, 1965 and raised a daughter, Patricia (Trish). In 2008 Pat retired from Beach Hardware after over 40 years and moved with Donna to Richmond, Va. They were married for over 56 years until Donna passed away suddenly July 2021.

Pat loved spending time with his family, his dog Spike, hunting, fishing and camping. While living in Hampton, Pat loved going out fishing in the bay in his Boston Whaler. He was still active and able to go camping with his good friends even well into his 80s.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sandra (Sandy); his brothers, Zemery (Verna) and Roy (May); his sisters, Maggie (George), Geneva (Ed) and Nettie (Roy). He is survived by his daughter, Trish and her partner, Pete; his nephew, Jim (Doris) who was so close to him; a dear family friend Annie Liberty; as well as other much loved in-laws, nephews and nieces, their children and other friends as close and loved as family.

A memorial service will be held in the chapel at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Rd, Amelia, Va., on Tuesday, June 28, at 3 p.m. with interment to follow in the columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial donations to the Disabled American Veterans charity.