Alva Wendell Messimer, age 87, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at his residence. He was born in West Frankfort, IL, a son of the late Erby Messimer and Lorraine Frank Messimer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Ann Miller Messimer; three brothers, Don Messimer, Ronnie Messimer, and Dr. James Messimer; and one sister-in-law, Joann Messimer.
Wendell moved to Bluff City in the summer of 1948 and then to Johnson City. He graduated from Lamar High School in 1955 and served in the Medical Corp of the Reserves. Growing up he was a paperboy for the Johnson City Press-Chronicle. After graduating high school, he went to barber college and worked his way through college at East Tennessee State University where he graduated in June of 1961. He married Patricia Ann Miller on October 29, 1961, at Unicoi Church of Christ. They were married for 40 years and 5 months until her passing on April 4, 2002.
In 1962, he started teaching at Asbury School in the 7th and 8th grades. He taught there for 4 years before going to work for Prudential Insurance Company. He sold insurance for 4 years and returned to teaching at Happy Valley Elementary School in the 7th and 8th grades. He was then named Principal at Range Elementary School. He then taught at Boones Creek Elementary School before becoming the Assistant Principal at Boones Creek Middle School in 1977. He ended his teaching career as Principal at Cherokee Elementary, retiring in 1997 after 19 years there. During his teaching career he received Principal of the Year Award in 1990-91 as well as the Environmental Educator award in 1986.
After retirement, he worked for a couple of book companies calling on schools for textbooks and began reading to the Kindergarten Classes at Fairmont Elementary School in Johnson City every Friday. He was a member of Unicoi Christian Church where he started serving as an Elder at the age of 30. He served on the following boards, Johnson City Power Board, Washington County Commissioner for 20 years, Board of Directors Washington County/Johnson City EMS in 2013, and the East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy as a board member and began serving as their chairman from 2012 to present.
In 1958 he joined the Johnson City Amateur Radio Association JCARA where he had served as President and Secretary, was the longest serving member where he enjoyed 66 years. His ham radio call sign was K4ZHK. He received the Ham of the Year award in 1997. He had also served on the TriCities Ham Fest Committee, Boy Scouts, and was a 50-year member of the Johnson City Masons Lodge #486. He enjoyed traveling and was a Green Bay Packers football fan. The legacy he has left upon his community will be remembered for many years to come.
He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Sheri Wingate and husband Will; three grandsons, Austin Wingate and wife Victoria, Calvin Wingate and wife Kaylee, and Peyton Wingate; one great grandson, Harrison Wingate who called him Pops; one brother, Emil Messimer; four sisters-in-law, Pansy Messimer, Susie Messimer, Ann Messimer, and Jenny Howell; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roy Miller and wife Donna; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM at Monte Vista Funeral Home. Funeral Service will follow at 5:00 PM with Minister Iran Bernard da Costa, Minister Bruce Colson, and Minister Lance Hanbey officiating. Committal Service and Interment will be held Monday, November 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the Garden of the Gospels at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be his grandson’s, Austin Wingate, Calvin Wingate, and Peyton Wingate, and nephews Danny Messimer, Dr. Sam Messimer, Christopher James, and close friends Chuck Anderson, and Troy Gaddy.
The family would like to extend their thanks to his caregiver Stephanie Lipscomb for all the love and care that was shown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the East Tennessee Christian Home and Academy, 517 Allen Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to Unicoi Christian Church, 417 Tennessee Street, Unicoi, TN 37692.
Arrangements especially for Mr. Alva Wendell Messimer and his family have been made through Monte Vista Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 1900 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN; 423-282-2631.
