William Johnny Messer

1944—2022

William Johnny “Pops” Messer, age 77, of Fort Gay, W.Va., gained his angel wings Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022.

Born Nov. 14, 1944, on Marrowbone Creek, he was the son of the late Victoria Farley and Alec Messer.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Birdie Farley, sister Francis Messer and his grandmother, Mary Farley.

Johnny worked most of his life as a coal miner. He was also a talented construction worker and could do anything he set his mind to. He was a loving father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Kathy (Ron) Spaulding and Michelle Messer, both of Fort Gay, W.Va., and Sheila (Wayne) Williamson of Dunlow, W.Va.; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren who loving referred to him as “Pops.” He is also survived by his sister, Eva Waller of Columbus, Ohio; the mother of his children, Lotus Marcum of Fort Gay, W.Va.; and two ex-wives, Willa Messer of Columbus, Ohio, and Elaine Newsome of Kermit, W.Va.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, at the Warfield Chapel of the Callaham Funeral Home, with Paul Darrin Messer officiating. Friends may visit the chapel 6-9 p.m. Monday. Arrangements are under the direction of the Callaham Funeral Home, Inez.