James "Ted" Messer, Jr., 72, of Angier died Monday, December 21, 2015 at the State Employees Credit Union Hospice House in Smithfield.

Ted was born June 12, 1943 in Harnett Co to the late James Messer, Sr. and Isabelle Stewart Messer. Ted was preceded in death by 2 brothers, James "Bunk" Messer and Freddie Mack Messer.

Ted enjoyed racing, westerns, being outdoors and gardening. Ted was a self made man who did commercial construction for his career. He loved the Lord and spending time with his family.

Ted is survived by his wife, Laverne Messer of the home, 2 sons, Stevie Messer of Greensboro and Tony Messer and wife Barbara of Pittsboro; a step daughter, Debbie Giles of Angier; a step son, Robert Giles of FL; 3 brothers, Bobby Messer of Broadway, Jimbo Messer of Lillington, and Wayne Messer of Spring Lake; 5 sisters, Peggy Terry of Fayetteville, Evelene Hudson and husband Jimmy of Bunnlevel, Joyce Brantley of Lillington, Gail Williams and husband Gary of Lumberbridge, Deborah Jean Dunn of Lillington; 6 grandchildren, Caleb Messer of Cary, Zachary Messer of Colorado, Dalton Messer of Pittsboro, Abby Messer of Pittsboro, Olivia Moore of Pittsboro and Carson Moore of Pittsboro.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 24, 2015 at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. James Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 A.M. prior to the service Thursday and other times at the home of Joyce Brantley.