Colonel Hollis D. Messer

U.S. Army (Retired)

Colonel Hollis Darrell Messer, U.S. Army (Retired), a decorated officer, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and patriot, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 92 in his home surrounded by his family.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Verbena, Alabama, to Charles Judson Messer and Camilla Gardner Messer, Hollis was raised with a deep sense of duty, faith, and family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Alyce Jo Langston Messer; his parents; his sister, Hazel Myrtis Thomas; and his brother, Kenneth Judson Messer Sr.

Hollis was a standout athlete from a young age, playing high school football at Verbena High School, where his team still holds a state championship record to this day. He continued his education at Auburn University, where he played football for the Tigers, earned a Bachelor of Science degree, and joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)—marking the beginning of an exceptional military career. He later earned a master’s degree in counseling from Troy State.

Colonel Messer served 28 years and 9 months in the United States Army, leading with distinction around the globe. His assignments included Fort Stewart, GA; Fort Riley, KS; Butzbach, Germany; Fort Benning, GA; Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL; South Vietnam; Fort Leavenworth, KS; the Pentagon; South Vietnam; the Air War College in Montgomery, AL; Fort Knox, KY; Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, CA; and finally Saudi Arabia, where he served as the U.S. Defense Attaché to the American Embassy.

Throughout his military career, Colonel Messer held numerous leadership and command positions, including Commander of Fort MacArthur, where he oversaw all the army reserves west of the Mississippi River. He was recognized for his courage and exemplary service with multiple honors, including two Silver Stars for heroism in combat, two Bronze Stars, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and several additional commendations and service ribbons.

Following his military retirement, Hollis and Jo made their home on the Alabama Gulf Coast, where he enjoyed a second career in real estate with Sun South Realty and Ono Realty for more than 30 years. Together, they continued their legacy of service in ministry, becoming founding members of Saint Andrew by the Sea in Gulf Shores, Alabama. What began as a small beach worship gathering grew into a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming church. Their shared faith and vision helped shape the spirit of the congregation. The story of Saint Andrew’s formation is one of faith, healing, and unity—and it is a legacy that Hollis and Jo helped bring to life through their vision and devotion.

Colonel Messer also served as President of the Gulf Shores Rotary Club, where he led with integrity—guiding meetings, overseeing service projects, and supporting membership growth. In 2000, he was honored as King Mahl Cabrix VI of the Bon Temps Cabrix Mardi Gras Krewe.

A man of steadfast faith, Colonel Messer’s love for the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life. He deeply cherished his family and found his greatest joy in being surrounded by those he loved. He is survived by his loving children: Sharon Jo McKinley (Bob), Randy Darrell Messer (Beth), and David Lynn Messer (Di); his grandchildren: Kelcie McKinley Phillips (Jason), Robert Ryan McKinley (Lindsey), Erin Suzanne Breen (John), Kaine Matthew Messer (Ashley), David Lynn Messer II, Krista Michelle Messer-Li (Guy), and Caitlyn Christine Klingman (Derrick); and his great-grandchildren: Jasper Emarose Ahmed, Noah Ahmed, McKinley Grace Phillips, Damon Leelynn Messer, Annie Elisabeth Phillips, Chloe Jean McKinley, Sophie Marie McKinley, Robert Hollis McKinley, Waverly Ann McKinley, Thomas Rowan McKinley, Hollis May Messer, Georgia Ann Klingman, Alyce Grace Klingman, Matthew Sumithra Messer-Li, and Parker Kelly Messer. The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by "Pop's ladies" over the past couple of years; Miko Davidson, Jean Moreno, Leslie Frierdich, H. Grace Reigns, and Antonia Leanza.

Colonel Messer leaves behind a legacy of honor, humility, faith, and love. He served his country with valor, his community with integrity, and his family with unwavering devotion. His life was a blessing, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. Colonel Hollis Messer lived his life to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with his God (Micah 6:8).

With full military honors, interment will be held at the Alabama Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 21. Visitation will take place in the sanctuary of St. Andrew by the Sea Church from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (17263 Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542), immediately followed by a memorial service and celebration of his life at 1:00 p.m.

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