Billy Harold Messer

The eventful life of Billy Harold Messer took him from the mountains of West Virginia to the marshes of Vietnam, to the clattering workspaces of some of Columbus’s busiest print shops, to the verdant fairways of central Ohio and North Carolina...and finally home to heaven. 

Bill unexpectedly passed away in his sleep the morning of March 12, 2026, leaving behind his heartbroken family and friends and a grateful nation. 

Bill was born in Stonecoal, West Virginia on November 3rd, 1948, one of eight children of John and Columbia Messer. In his younger years, Bill moved to Columbus’s Victorian Village neighborhood and graduated from Central High School at the height of the Vietnam War. When his draft notice came, Bill didn’t hesitate–he went into the Army and eventually became a member of the fabled 82nd Airborne. He credited a wise and heroic company commander for his survival through many patrols and firefights. Bill got to eventually return home and live a great life, one rooted in doing things the right way, not the easy way. 

At the center of that life was his wife. He met Sandra Wearly in Columbus in the late 70s and they were married in 1981. They built a life, a wonderful group of family and friends, and were happily enjoying retirement together. But first there were decades of hard work, including 30 years at the Ohio State University Printing Facility, and after his retirement from there, more jobs in the print industry before he eventually became–and continued to be--a driver for several local car dealers. In between all that, he managed to become an excellent golfer, a shot-making lefty. There are perhaps hundreds of golfers throughout the country whose lives were brightened for a few hours because Bill joined their group when he and Sandy were vacationing in North Carolina. Bill was a great fan of other sports, especially those involving the Cincinnati professional teams, which was very difficult most of the time for Bill, who loved a winner. The three recent Ohio State football national Championships were shining moments for Bill. 

Bill Messer was far from ordinary, but not far from ornery. But ornery only in the best way, making a possibly inappropriate remark during an occasion that cried for one. Only he would dare say what everyone may have been thinking. But as ornery as he was, inside was a heart of gold, apt to melt in a moment’s notice, especially when spending time with his grand-nephews and grand-nieces. Over the past few years, he and Sandy took great joy being involved with their great-grand nephews. 

Bill loved dogs, camping, the open road, the Outer Banks, the sound of a perfectly struck golf shot, washing and waxing his vehicles, a nice cigar, people being surprised by how young he looked for his age, West Liberty, a good meal, a crisply ironed shirt, practical jokes, and especially his country. America asked Bill to risk his life for her, and he willingly did so. He remained an unabashed patriot his entire life, and he displayed those attributes that make America great: courage, resilience, loyalty, pride, self-reliance, hard work, good humor and a hint of rebelliousness. He lived life joyously, and that attitude was well earned. He will remain a shining star for those that knew him. 

Bill, who rarely spoke of his service in Vietnam, was finally persuaded this year to be an honored veteran on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He’ll miss that flight and the long-delayed “Welcome Home” from the public that his fellow veterans will receive on that trip. But instead, Bill was welcomed home to the Mansions of the Lord. 

Bill was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, his brother, Homer Messer, and his sister, Irene (Bob) Stover, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Family will greet friends prior to a graveside service with military honors at Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio on Wednesday, March 18th at 10:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Samaritans Purse Operation Heal Our Patriots and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  

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