Robert Hamilton Messick

Messick, Robert Hamilton, After a full and active life of 91 years, Bob passed away peacefully, with his devoted wife by his side, at home in Bon Air on April 9, 2021. He fought a brave battle with lymphoma. He was born to the late Frederick and Virginia Messick in Irvington, Va., where he spent his childhood enjoying all the Rappahanock River, outdoors and baseball offered. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy; children, Steven Messick (Susan), Susan Leonard (John, deceased), Janet Booher (Matt); grandchildren, Michael (Courtney) Messick, Ryan Messick, Conner Messick, Meredith Leonard, Holly Leonard, Andrew Booher, Nicholas Booher and William Booher; sister, Betty Spain (Paul); nieces, Betsy Wood and Patricia Hardesty; brother-in-law, Roger Brown (Diana); and the eagerly awaited arrival in June of great-grandson, baby boy Messick. Bob graduated from Hargrave Military Academy in 1947, attended Bluefield College, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years during the Korean War. He was a proud veteran who loved his country, the military and the flag. He completed his education with a B.S. degree in business at RPI (VCU). Bob described his time as an ordinary life filled with most interesting people and remarkable experiences. As a teenage boy serving as a page in the General Assembly, he shared the podium and had conversations with Sir Winston Churchill during his visit to Richmond. Bob served two sessions as a page under both Governors Darden and Tuck. A top highlight of his life came later as a young man through a mutual friend; Bob spent a long weekend in Florida with Stan Musial resulting in a lasting friendship, trips to ball games, meeting the players and becoming an avid lifelong Cardinal fan. Bob and Nancy found their way to each other while college students in Richmond - he at RPI, she at MCV School of Nursing. They married after graduation in 1956. He began his career with Texaco, Inc. in Charlottesville, transferred to Roanoke for 21 years where their three children were born. He was a devoted father - helping with and attending all school, church and athletic activities. Then a transfer to Richmond, where he spent the rest of his life. Bob retired from Texaco, Inc. (now Chevron) after 33 years, but being blessed with good health and great energy, he found being idle did not suit him - he really liked working! Next employed by Leggett stores as Operations Manager, eight years, while working part-time at Woody Funeral Home - where he had his first job after leaving home. He worked for Henry W. Woody at the original funeral home in Church Hill. Later in life, he found his purpose helping people in their time of need and worked at Woody Funeral Home for 15 more years into his mid 80s. Bob's interest were many and varied. He was a man of faith, serving as a deacon and finance chairman at Virginia Heights Baptist Church in Roanoke and most currently member at River Road Church, Baptist. He was active in community service. He was a Master Gardener, growing great vegetables and roses, an avid reader of mystery, biography and history books and a lover of sports - tennis and pickleball. He had an ability for playing and a most remarkable knowledge of facts and details of all sports - have a question about a player, team, trivia or a rule? Ask Bob! He would attempt to fix anything - even hand painted an entire car with a brush. It turned out great! Then there was baseball - always his passion - from early youth to mid life, as a player (2nd base), coach of many teams, then umpire for many years. He considered the lessons learned from the game to be a plan for life - be prepared, be ready, be a team player and ALWAYS play fair! Bob and Nancy shared a love for travel and were fortunate to take many road trips, cruises, trips to European countries, China and Southeast Asia. On all trips, he entered every contest, vocal and athletic, winning prizes for his large cap and T-shirt collection. You would be hard pressed to find someone who knew Bob who didn't like him. His calm, easygoing manner, ready smile to greet all, quick wit, ability to talk to anyone about anything, never leaving a task undone - once started, always finished, on time - and willing to help and forever having a story to tell, made him a natural draw to all. Faults? Yes, some, but too few to mention. Bob's friends were such a big part of his life - he considered them every bit as interesting as the celebrities who passed through his life. They were so important to him, but none so much as his children and grandchildren - all beautiful, all smart, all talented. He was so proud of all they achieved and he considered them to be the highlights of his life. His measure was not by his accomplishments - though many - but by his character and actions. There can never be enough thanks for his example to follow and the life lessons he taught - a great legacy to leave. We will miss him terribly and we were all lucky to have him in our lives. Loved you then, love you still. Always have, always will. Family will receive friends Friday, May 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Huguenot Chapel, Woody Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 22, at 1 p.m. at River Road Church, Baptist. Donations may be made in honor of Robert Messick to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at lls.org.