O. Q. Messer

RALEIGH - O.Q. Messer, age 90, died peacefully at home in the presence of his family on March 3, 2012, after a brief battle with cancer. He was the last remaining child of Floyd and Delia Messer, having been predeceased by his parents and six siblings. O.Q. was born in rural Johnston County on June 26, 1921. He married Lina Jones Messer, his devoted and loving wife of 67 years. They lived in Raleigh all their married lives and raised two daughters, Bonnie and Kay. O.Q. was a hard-working man who worked until age 84 when he suffered from a surgical error that changed his life. He retired from Mutual Distributing Company and later worked at Triangle Auto Sales. He was a caring and devoted Father who worked hard to see that his daughters had opportunities that had eluded him. He especially prized a good education for his children and instilled values of hard work, compassion for others, and honesty in them. He was the light of their lives. O.Q. loved NASCAR racing and could be found watching every race and always cheering for his favorite drivers. Mr. Messer is survived by his wife, Lina Jones Messer, daughter, Frances Kay Messer, and daughter, Bonnie Cramer and husband, Clark , many nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends. O.Q. loved life and especially being with family. He always brightened any gathering with his wicked sense of humor. He will be missed by his family and countless friends to whom he always gave a kind, encouraging word. He had a tenacious spirit and persevered through the last years of declining health with great strength, quiet dignity and fierce determination. He loved the outdoors, fishing, nature, and for many years working in his beautiful yard. His memory will live in the hearts and minds of his wife, daughters and his son-in-law, Clark. His grateful and encouraging attitude will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. A service of remembrance will be held to honor O.Q. Messer at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 10, 2012, Inwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends and family beginning one hour prior to the service in the church sanctuary. Entombment will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Park, Chapel of Memories Mausoleum. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you consider donations to Inwood Baptist Church, 3700 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh, N.C. 27603 or to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, N.C. 27607.