William Holt Messerly

William Holt Messerly, 82, passed away on November 18, 2014. Born in Birmingham, AL, on October 4th, 1932, son of James H. and Mary Frances Messerly. Retired Regional Manager, (VA & NC) of Continental Forest Industries. A native of Jacksonville, FL, he has lived in Chester, VA since 1965. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Ann Wilkinson Messerly, sons, William Holt, Jr., and Allen Lindsay, daughter, Mary Mason Good, (Brad) and grandchildren, Jerry Wilson and Lila Good, sister Patricia Bruner and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by brother, James B. Messerly. Served as a US Army Sgt. Inf. during the Korean War. Graduated from the University of Florida with a BS degree in Forestry. Was a member of XI Sigma Pi, Forestry Honor Society, and Kappa Alpha Order. An active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Chester, VA since 1965. A registered Boy Scout leader since 1972 and Scout Master of Troop 819 for 25 years, where he helped build a log cabin for meetings and scout activities. Received BSA District Award of Merit and the Council’s highest Award, the Silver Beaver. Has twice received the Chester Rotary Club’s Community Service Award. A Golden member of the Society of American Foresters and the Virginia Forestry Association. A man of many talents, hand carving wooden ducks, scout neckerchief slides and making beautiful walnut furniture. Favorite activities included hiking the Appalachian Trail, float fishing, camping, and hunting with his English Setters. Bill will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chester. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made in care of Boy Scout Troop 819 or in care of St. John’s Episcopal Church, both may be sent to PO Box 3886, Chester, VA 23831. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .