Virgil Messer, 79, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023. He graduated   from Ooltewah High School in 1964 and served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam war. He enjoyed woodworking and working on cars and was a dirt track and stock car racer for many years. He was employed by Combustion Engineering for 18 years, Astec Industries for 12 years and drove long haul trucks for 5 years. Virgil was a member of New Shepherd Hill Baptist Church.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, William and Norma Messer; brother, Charles Messer, and sisters, Faye Bankston, and Norma Keown.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Martha Messer; son, David (Teresa) Headrick; daughter, Lori (Scott) Hurst; brother, Hubert (Rhonda) Messer, and four grandchildren.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Virgil will be laid to rest in Harrison Cemetery on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Bill Griffice officiating.