Bill Messler

Cary - William Bill Franklin Messler, 85 passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 after a brief battle with cancer. Bill was born in Huntington, IN before settling in NC with his wife Ann. Bills military service included the US Navy and US Army where he served as a paratrooper. Upon discharge from the US Army, Bill began his career as an automotive body technician and went on to open his own body shop, Messlers Body Shop in Garner, NC, which became the largest independently owned body shop in Wake County where he held the position as President of the IGA of NC. Bill was happiest bowling, golfing, singing in the St. Andrews UMC choir, and most importantly spending time with his family and friends. He was known best for his huge grin, blinking bow-tie, and devotion to his wife, mom. Bill was one of the founding four inductees into the Raleigh Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1986. Bill missed the perfect score of 300 by one pin, the solid 10. As an avid golfer, Bill made the elusive hole-in-one at Chicora Country Club, Dunn, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mildred Messler, step-father Esta Frye, daughter Cathy Owens, brother Loyal Bus Messler, and sister, Shirley Schutz. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Ann Norris Messler of the home; daughter Judy Stephenson and husband, Ricky of Summerfield, FL; son-in-law, Andy Owens of Cary, NC; grandson, Nicholas Stephenson and wife Jenny of Garner, NC; granddaughter Samantha Smith and husband Carl of Salt Lake City, UT; four great-grandchildren, Emma and Shane Stephenson, Landon and Colton Smith; nephew, Terry Messler of Huntington, IN. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner. Services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, March 21, 2014 at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 1201 Maxwell Drive, Raleigh. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to St. Andrews UMC, Cathy Owens Memorial Fund.