Ray Thomas Messer

Ray Thomas Messer, age 53 of Dayton, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at his home. He was born in Detroit, MI, on March 31, 1969, the son of the late Rammon Messer and Susie (Lettner) Brown. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Frances Ann Messer, and his nephew, Rammon Mark Macon.

Ray moved to Dayton from Michigan as a child and was a graduate of Rhea County High School Class of 1988. He was the owner of a lawn mowing and guttering business. He enjoyed hunting, playing cornhole and darts with his family, watching his daughter Gabi play softball, playing with his grandsons, and aggravating everyone he knew. He was a member of Christ Family Church of God in Soddy Daisy.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Gabrielle “Gabi” Messer of Dayton; his three sisters, Kathy (John) Duggan, Patricia Lawson, and Helen (David) Webb, all of Dayton; his two step-daughters, Sami Shipley and Lyla Payne, both of Dayton; his two grandsons, Braxton and Chad Butler; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Ray will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Jacob McNabb and Pastor Brian Conley officiating. He will be laid to rest at Buttram Cemetery next to his mother.

Please share your memories and photos of Ray on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com .

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, TN, where they will receive friends Thursday, June 9, 2022, after 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Ray Messer Funeral Expenses Account at Simply Bank, Venmo to Gabi Messer@RayMesserMemorial, or Cash App to Gabi Messer$RayMesserMemorial.