Fred Henry Messer

Fred Henry Messer, a resident of Travelers Rest, SC, passed away at home surrounded by
loved ones on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at the age of 94.

Fred was born on December 22, 1927 to Johnny Love Messer and Ivalee Wykle Messer in Sylva, NC.

He was employed with Coca-Cola Bottling Co. for 10 years and retired from General Electric as a machinist after 20 years of service. Fred was a devoted Christian and a founding deacon at Echo Hills Baptist Church in Greer, SC. He was always involved in church activities and loved working in his garden each year. Fred was a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved watching and listening to NASCAR and will be deeply missed by his friends, family and all who knew him. He never met a stranger and always had a kind word.

Fred is survived by his wife Frances Alva Ginn Messer of 72 years; his children, Freda Jones (David), Donald Messer (Glenda), Bruce Messer (Debbie) and “Lee” Ivalee Cross (Terry); his grandchildren, David Jones Jr., Brent Messer, Laura Johnson (Adam), Bruce Messer Jr. (Stacy), Daniel Messer, Misty Southern (Chris), Sean Cross and Seth Cross; nephew, Kenny Rathbone (Katherine); and seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at First Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, SC (242 North Old Grove Road) on February 26, 2022 at 11:00 am with lunch provided in the Fellowship Hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred’s memory to First Free Will Baptist Church.