Raymond Messick

Raymond B. Messick, age 84, a lifelong resident of Pike County, Alabama, passed away Friday, December 4, 2020. A graveside service will be held Sunday, December 6, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Green Hills Memorial Cemetery with Reverend Danny Arnold officiating.

Mr. Messick was born and raised in the Goshen community where early on he cultivated a deep appreciation for nature’s offerings and the genuine sentiment of a small, hometown rapport. He graduated from the Goshen High School Class of 1955 and embarked on a professional journey with the International Paper Company. He studied through their forestry training program and went on to serve with the company as a well-respected and appreciated forester for 52 years. Over the course of his time he acquired a few extra names. You might have known him as “Bunk” the black coffee drinker, or “Benardo” a funny friend, or “Uncle Ramey” the most fun uncle of all times, or perhaps most appropriately as “Rainbow” because he could always find the good. His jovial banter drew a crowd and his positive outlook secured countless impressions and friendships.

Mr. Messick is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Margaret Ann Messick; brothers, Rayford Messick (Georgiana) and Parker Messick (Sylvia); sisters, Linnie Mae Hill, Jeanette Corley, Linda Young (Ken), Martha Kate Sport (Robert) and Elizabeth Faulkner (Henry); sisters-in-law, Jill Maddox (Bob) and Jeanette Wilkes; brother-in-law, Peter Wilkes (Mary); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luke E. and Mada Mills Messick; brother, Wm Dean; and brothers-in-law, Calvin Wilkes and Crandall Wilkes.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made in his honor to the Humane Society of Pike County (300 Elm Street, Troy, AL 36081) or to Park Memorial Methodist Church (750 Elba Highway, Troy, AL 36079). Friends and family can sign the guestbook online at www.greenhillsfuneralhome.net. The staff of Green Hills Funeral Home is honored to serve the Messick family.