Rev. Howard Lee Messer, age 86, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his home. He was born in Waynesville, NC, on July 18, 1940. He was the son of the late Thomas “Tom” Messer and the late Vanita Cagle Messer and was the loving and devoted husband of the late Anita Lucille Keener Messer.

Rev. Messer devoted many years of his life to faithfully serving as a Free Will Baptist preacher. His greatest joy was sharing God's Word and pointing others to Christ. Whether he was standing behind the pulpit or visiting with someone in the community, he never met a stranger. With a warm smile and a caring heart, he referred to everyone as "My Friend," a phrase that became his trademark and reflected the genuine love and kindness he showed to all. Rev. Messer's unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and dedication to ministry touched countless lives. His legacy of love, service, and faithful witness will be cherished by his family, friends, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rev. Messer is survived by his son, Stephen “Steve” Messer (Vickie); three grandchildren, Kristen Cairnes (Brian), Phillip Messer (Kirsten), and Austin Messer (Taylor); his seven great-grandchildren, Mykaela Blue (Tyler), Mykenzie Brown (Josh), Nathan Cairnes (Skylar), Morgan Williams (Landon), Merit Messer, Noah Messer, and Jaxson Messer; six great great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Eleanor Messer, and Lois Morrow; and many other special family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Anita Messer; his son, Michael Messer; a great-grandchild; his parents, Tom and Vanita Messer; and his two brothers, Oliver Messer, and Claud Messer.

The Celebration of Life Graveside Service for Rev. Messer will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Crawford/Ray Memorial Gardens in Canton, NC.