Bobby Ray Messer, Sr

Bobby Ray Messer, Sr., age 90, of Gulfport, MS passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Bobby was born in Decatur, Al. and graduated from Austinville High School in Decatur Al. He attended Instructors School, Class C-1 6834 from August 19, 1968 to September 13, 1968. “L” Course (Leadership) Instructors School “A” Course (Basic Instructor Training).

Bobby proudly served the US Navy SEABEES for 20 years. He promoted to Steelworker First Class (SW1) in March 1967. He completed two tours in Vietnam with NMCB 40, followed by Navy Military Instructor duty (Red Rope) in Gulfport, MS. He retired on 22JUN 1973 from NMCB 133 after 20 years of honorable service. The U.S Navy (Seabees) Rank: SWI, Vietnam 1966-1968 (CHULI). He received several medals including Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 5th Good Conduct for Service Medal ending March 19, 1970, and awards RVN Coallantry Cross, Meritorious Unit Commendations. 

He was a weld instructor and inspector for Rocket Engines US Navy – Ingall Shipbuilding – NASA New Orleans, LA from 1952-1997.

Bobby loved spending time with family, especially his grandkids.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents, Nathan and Aline Messer; sons, Bobby R Messer Jr, and Earl Robbins.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Carolyn A. Messer; daughters, Bonnie L (T. J.) Johnson, and Andrea (Brian Sr.) Seymour; grandchildren, Shawn Smith, Anthony Johnson, Brain Seymour Jr., Tiffany Dewberry, Shawn Johnson, Justin Messer, Zachery Smith, and Brandi S. Manning; great-grandchildren, Cameron T. Messer, Levi Smith, Jenna Smith, Cooper T. Messer, Lydia Smith, Mackenzie R Messer, Ransom Dewberry, Madison Manning, Brian Seymour III, and Colton Seymour; sisters, Linda Coker and Brenda Kinnis; and daughter-in-law, Peaches Messer.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Friends may visit one hour prior. A graveside service will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bobby Ray Messer, Sr.