Obituary of William G. Messer

Bill G. Messer, of Knox and Union Counties, passed away on March 2 2018, at the age of 78, with his wife, Faye, of 45 years and his two special grandchildren by his side.

He was born in Kingsport on October 5, 1939 to the late Bill and Mahala (Slusher) Messer.  He joined the Air Force in 1956 to serve his country.  His entrepreneurial spirit took him from the military into a life devoted to his communities and his personal political beliefs.

Bill began his long business history in Dandridge; moving onto ownership of multiple businesses including a Union 76 Truck Stop/Restaurant and wrecker service in Monroe, Michigan and the iconic Shuckers restaurants in Knoxville, where the employees dressed in the style of the UT Volunteers.  By his side for most of Bill's business ventures was his wife, Faye, and lifelong friend, Bill Rosenbalm.

Bill's final ventures and passions were his Broadway Restaurant Equipment store in Knoxville and his multiple farms in Union and Claiborne Counties.  Bill brought buffalo into Union County on his prized Buffalo Mountain Farm.

Bill was actively involved in state and local politics in Union and Claiborne County.  Bill was well-known for fish fries on his farm and community rallies encouraging support of his favorite political interests.

Bill was preceded in rest by his brothers, Drexel Howard (WWII, KIA in Japan), Wilburn (Curly) Messer (Florida) and Curt Messer (Bean Station); sisters, Meadie Osborne (Maryland) and Junus Roberts (Morristown); and granddaughter, Erin Haynes.  He is survived by his wife, Faye (Dunn) Messer; special grandchildren, Cody (Hannah) Haynes and Ferrari Haynes; stepson, Marty Haynes; stepson, Steve Haynes; and grandchildren, Tammy (Brian) Merkle, Kimberly Haynes, Chad (Holly) Haynes; his sister, Mildred (Mickey) Hurst; and many special relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends on March 6, 2018 at Mynatt Funeral Home in Halls from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. and March 7, 2018 at Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Burial, with military honors by the Tri-County Veterans Honor Guard, will be March 8, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Irish Cemetery in Tazewell.