GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1762

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Sponsors: Representatives Beall and Ramsey.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House.

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July 21, 1998

A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF ERNEST BRYAN MESSER, FORMER MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer was born in Waynesville, North Carolina, on December 21, 1913, to Forest W. Messer and Effie Furr Messer; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer graduated from Lee Edwards High School in 1931 and received a BA degree from Carson Newman College in 1935; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer was a teacher and served as a basketball coach for the Haywood County Schools from 1935 to 1939; and
Whereas, during World War II, Ernest Bryan Messer proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, where he attained the rank of lieutenant; and
Whereas, after his service in the Navy, Ernest Bryan Messer began working for Champion International, Inc., until his retirement in 1977; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer served with honor and distinction as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for 10 terms between 1963 and 1981, during which time he served as the first Chair of the Committee on Aging and was instrumental in sponsoring legislation benefiting senior citizens; and
Whereas, in November of 1981, Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. appointed Ernest Bryan Messer as Assistant Secretary of the Division of Aging, a position that he held until May of 1985; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer helped to develop North Carolina's Senior Games; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer established himself as a leader by serving as President of the Board of Directors of the Haywood County Mental Health Association; as a member of the Board of Directors of the Champion YMCA and the Champion Credit Union; as Chair of the Haywood County Democratic Executive Committee, the Canton Chapter Red Cross Bloodmobile, and the Inplant United Fund Drive; and as a trustee of the Haywood Technical Institute; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer contributed to his community as a member of numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including the Canton Lions Club, Haywood Planning Board, Haywood County Historical Association, Canton Toastmasters Club, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer was awarded the Layman's Award for Distinguished Service to Education by Phi Delta Kappa of Western Carolina University in 1974; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer was an active member of the Canton First Baptist Church, where he was a former Sunday school teacher and Training Union director; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer died on June 14, 1997; and
Whereas, Ernest Bryan Messer is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jincy Owen Messer; a daughter, Patsy M. Poovey; two grandsons, Brant Poovey and Phillip Poovey; and other close relatives; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The General Assembly expresses its deep appreciation for the life and accomplishments of Ernest Bryan Messer and for the great service he rendered to his nation, the State of North Carolina, and his community.
Section 2.  The General Assembly expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of Ernest Bryan Messer for the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Section 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Ernest Bryan Messer.
Section 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.