Obituary of Nelson Ramsey Messer

Nelson Ramsey Messer, Jr., of Knoxville Tenn, went home to be with the Lord on, Saturday, January 7, 2017. Nelson, also known as "Doss", was born June 22, 1931 to Nelson Ramsey Messer, Sr., and Vannie Sherrill Messer. Nelson was preceded in death by his wife Gerene Jenkins Messer, his parents, a brother Ralph Messer, three sisters, Amy Dehart, Nettie Mae Styles, and Roberta Powell. Nelson leaves behind one son, Joseph Aaron Messer and wife Karen, 4 grandsons Westin, Bryce, Luke, and Alex Messer all of Virginia Beach, Va., a sister Frances Messer of Bryson City, N.C., and several nieces and nephews. His extended family includes one brother-in-law Kyle Jenkins and wife Cristie of Saluda, VA., 2 sisters-in-law Gwenith Sanders of Sylva, N.C. and Dorothy Posey of Bryson City, N.C. Nelson was living in Virginia Beach with his son at the time of his passing. Nelson was a well known mechanic. He worked for years at Watson Messer garage where he was part owner of the business. He later moved to Knoxville, Tenn., and began working at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn where he retired. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 13, 2017 at Crisp Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Eddie Dietz will officiate with burial in Sawmill Hill Cemetery in Bryson City, NC. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Funeral Home.