Gerald Messer

Gerald Ensley Messer, age 48, of Leland, NC died Thursday, July 21, 2005 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. He was born on May 11, 1957 in Haywood County and was a son of Jerry Ensley Messer and the late Lillian Erwin Messer. He was preceded in death by a brother, David Messer. Gerald was a devoted employee for over twenty-eight years with the NC DOT where he was a bridge maintenance supervisor. He was very active in the community, especially in the youth sports programs in Leland and was a lifelong NASCAR fan. He will be remembered as a devoted father and friend with a personality that touched everyone. Surviving in addition to his father are his children, Karen Messer, Laura Messer and Rachel Messer all of Leland, NC; his former wife of twenty-two years and mother of his children, Leslie Clemmons of Wilmington; a sister, Carolyn Robinson of Canton; a brother, Mark Messer of Wilmington; two grandchildren, Briannah Phelps and Gabrielle Phelps; nieces and nephews, Brenda Rabb, Charlie Messer and Matthew Messer and the many children's lives he touched through Leland T-Ball and girls softball. To the special few that are not named, he loved you and will miss you as well. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2005 at Canton Free Will Baptist Church with the Reverend Brian Bird and Reverend Milton Hollifield officiating. Burial will follow at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Sunday at Wells Funeral Homes & Cremation Services of Canton. At other times, the family will be at the home of the father, Jerry Messer, 4847 Pigeon Road in Bethel.

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