Edward Rhodes Messick

Born on August 12, 1937 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Rhodes grew up in Garden City, New York. After graduating from high school, he attended Roanoke College in Virginia and then served in the Coast Guard. As a manufacturer’s representative Rhodes covered New York State from his home base in Syracuse until retiring in 2000.

Rhodes lived a full and vibrant life. He was an avid sailor. His captain’s license certified him operate 52-ton vessels, and on weekends he drove tour boats on the Erie Canal. His adventurous spirit took him to many destinations by land and sea. He enjoyed RVing across the country with Ellen and their dog Tanner, as well as sailing their boat around the Great Lakes and the Bahamas.

Rhodes and Ellen moved to Southport in 2000 where they built their home and became fully engaged in the community. He was the founder of “No Port Southport,” an opposition group that won a five-year battle against the establishment of a North Carolina International Terminal in Southport. While in Southport, Rhodes also served as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary from 2007 - 2018, working with the crew at the Oak Island Coast Guard Station in support of boating safety and patrolling the waterways. He was certified as Boat Crew and received numerous awards and commendations.

Rhodes was active with the Southport Lions Club, where he served on the board of directors, was a member of the flag committee; was involved with the club’s support of the Boys & Girls Home in Lake Waccamaw; and was also a member of Southport Historical Society’s Thor Gun Crew. As an active member of Southport Presbyterian Church, Rhodes served as an Elder and was on a number of committees, including the Building and Grounds Committee. Rhodes was a kite enthusiast and loved to work with his hands, building an Aleut kayak and a nesting dinghy for his sailboat.

Rhodes was preceded in death by his father and mother, Laurance C. and Augusta P. Messick; and his sisters, Marguerite Courtright and Laurel Behrer.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ellen; his sister, Ellen Hollister (Floyd); his son, Laurance “Clif” Messick and daughter-in-law, Susan Messick of Stoneville, NC; granddaughters, Emily Moore of Fayetteville, Jessica Gales (Kee) of Indianapolis, IN, and Sarah Mitchell (Christopher) of Lawsonville, NC; five great-grandchildren: Felix, Theodore, Penelope, Susannah, and Clementine; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 pm at Southport Presbyterian Church, 1025 E Moore St, Southport, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rhodes’ name may be made to Southport Lions Club, PO Box 10187, Southport, NC 28461; or to Southport Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.